Key highlights
- SSL certificates protect your website by encrypting the data exchanged between your site and its visitors.
- They ensure sensitive information like passwords; credit card details and personal details remain safe from hackers.
- An SSL certificate boosts trust and credibility, making visitors feel secure when browsing your site.
- Search engines prioritize secure websites, so having SSL can improve your SEO rankings.
- Websites without SSL may display a “Not Secure” warning in browsers, which can drive visitors away.
- SSL is crucial for eCommerce sites and online transactions to meet security and compliance standards.
- Bluehost helps you secure your website effortlessly with a free SSL certificate integrated with our hosting plans.
Introduction
Securing data and protecting user information is crucial for any online presence. With rising cyber threats and privacy concerns, implementing an SSL certificate is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your visitors. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by using an SSL certificate.
A SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts data transferred between a user’s browser and a website enabling a secure security protocol connection and preventing hackers from intercepting sensitive information. This article will explore what SSL certificates are, why they are essential, the different SSL certificate types available and how you can obtain one through Bluehost. So, let’s get started.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer certificate is a digital security certificate that verifies a website’s identity and enables encrypted communication. It ensures that data exchanged between users and the site remains private and secure.
SSL certificates establish a secure connection between a user’s browser and the web server, using encryption to protect sensitive information. This prevents hackers from intercepting or altering data during transmission.
A website with an SSL certificate has a URL that starts with https://.
Same if a website without SSL has a URL starting with ‘http://,’ which means it does not encrypt user data.
Also read: What Is An SSL Certificate? How Much Is An SSL Certificate?
Why do you need an SSL certificate?
You need an SSL certificate to ensure a secure and trustworthy experience for website visitors. Here’s why it’s essential:
Protects sensitive data
One of the main functions of an SSL certificate is to encrypt data exchanged between a user’s browser and your website. This is important for protecting login credentials, payment details, personal information and financial data. Without encryption, hackers can intercept sensitive information including credit card numbers. It puts both your business and users at risk. With SSL, even if cybercriminals manage to access data, it remains unreadable and unusable.
Builds trust & credibility
People are more likely to trust a secure website. Having an SSL certificate also builds trust and credibility. Online users are increasingly cautious when sharing their information. Websites that use ‘https://’ and display a padlock icon in the address bar signal security and reliability, whereas those with ‘http://’ (without SSL) may appear less trustworthy. Without SSL, visitors may see a “Not Secure” warning in their browser, which can discourage them from staying on your site, making purchases or filling out forms.
Improves SEO rankings
Google considers SSL certificates to be a ranking factor. SSL certificates also play a role in improving search engine rankings. Google prioritizes secure websites and gives preference to https-enabled sites in search results. If your website lacks SSL, it may rank lower than competitors who have it, reducing your visibility and organic traffic. An SSL certificate protects user data and boosts search rankings, improving traffic and engagement.
Prevents “Not Secure” warnings
Modern web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge, flag non-HTTPS websites with warnings, making it clear to visitors that the site is not secure. These warnings can drive potential customers away, damage your brand’s reputation and decrease conversions. Without SSL, visitors may hesitate to trust your website, especially if they are expected to enter payment details or personal information.
Essential for online payments
For websites that handle online payments, an SSL certificate is mandatory. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) regulations require encryption for secure transactions. Without SSL, your website may not be able to accept credit card payments or integrate with payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe. This can limit your business’s ability to process transactions safely and meet the required security standards for online commerce.
Protects against cyber threats
SSL certificates also protect against cyber threats, phishing scams and data breaches by implementing transport layer security. By implementing transport layer security, they prevent hackers from intercepting and manipulating sensitive data. With SSL, website owners can secure information transmission and maintain user trust.
Also read: Top 7 Ways on How to Find Out Who Built a Website
Required for business & compliance standards
In addition to security benefits, SSL encryption is a requirement for various business and legal compliance standards. Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU citizens, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for healthcare-related websites and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) mandate the secure handling of user data. Without SSL, businesses may face penalties, fines or legal consequences for failing to protect user information adequately.
SSL certificate types
Not all SSL certificate types are the same. Depending on your website’s needs, you may choose from different types of SSL certificates. SSL certificates come in various types, each catering to different website needs and security levels. Here’s an in-depth look at the most common SSL certificate types is:
1. Domain validated (DV) SSL
The domain validated (DV) SSL certificate type is the most basic and quickest option available. It works by verifying that the person or organization requesting the certificate owns the domain, but it does not verify the identity of the business or individual behind the website. This certificate is suitable for websites that do not handle sensitive data or transactions, such as personal blogs or informational websites.
Key features:
- Fast and easy to issue
- No need for business verification
- Ideal for smaller websites or personal blogs that don’t deal with sensitive user data
- Offers basic encryption and protection
2. Organization validated (OV) SSL
An organization validated (OV) SSL certificate requires more validation compared to a DV certificate. It verifies that the organization behind the website is legitimate and checks that the requester owns the domain. The added layer of organizational verification increases the trust factor for visitors, as they can see that a verified business operates the website. These certificates are commonly used by companies that want to convey higher credibility to users.
Key features:
- Verifies both domain ownership and the legitimacy of the organization
- More trusted by visitors as it confirms the business is legitimate
- Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses
- Provides a higher level of security and encryption than DV SSL certificates
3. Extended validation (EV) SSL
The extended validation (EV) SSL certificate offers the highest level of security and trust -among other types. To get an EV SSL, the requesting entity undergoes a strict verification process that includes a detailed vetting of the business. Websites with an EV SSL certificate display a green address bar in browsers, signaling to users that the site is highly secure. EV SSL certificates are ideal for large enterprises, eCommerce websites and any business that wants to demonstrate the highest level of security and credibility.
Key features:
- Requires extensive verification of both domain and business
- Displays a green address bar in browsers for maximum trust and credibility
- Perfect for eCommerce websites, financial services and large businesses
- Provides the highest level of encryption and security
4. Wildcard SSL certificates
A Wildcard SSL certificate is designed to secure a primary domain and its unlimited subdomains with a single certificate. For example, if your main domain is bluehost.com, a wildcard SSL would secure {blog.bluehost.com} and any other subdomains. This type of certificate is ideal for websites with multiple subdomains. It eliminates the need to buy and manage individual SSL certificates for each one. This makes a wildcard SSL certificate purchase a cost-effective solution.
Key features:
- Secures the primary domain and all subdomains
- Cost-effective as you only need one certificate for multiple subdomains
- Easy to manage, especially for larger websites with many subdomains
- Ideal for companies or individuals managing multiple sections of a website under different subdomains
5. Multi-domain (SAN)
Multi-domain SSL certificates, also known as Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificates, allow you to secure multiple domains by default with a single certificate. This is perfect for businesses that operate several websites, as it simplifies SSL management by consolidating all the domains into one certificate. You can include up to 100 domains on a single SAN SSL certificate.
Key features:
- Secures multiple domains with one certificate
- Ideal for businesses with multiple websites, reducing the cost and complexity of SSL management
- Can be used to secure subdomains or domains across different TLDs
- Offers flexible protection for businesses with diverse online assets
Also read: Free SSL vs Paid SSL Certificate: Which is Best for Your Business?
How Bluehost helps with SSL certificates
Bluehost makes it incredibly easy for website owners to secure your sites with SSL certificates. With straightforward processes and robust options, Bluehost ensures that your site is protected with minimal effort. Here’s a more detailed look at how Bluehost simplifies SSL security:
1. Free SSL certificates with hosting plans
Bluehost provides free SSL certificates with all hosting plans, ensuring website security from day one. This is included at no additional cost, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing separate SSL certificates for your website. Whether you’re starting a new website or managing an existing one, Bluehost ensures you’re covered from the moment you set up your hosting.
- How it works: Simply choose a hosting plan and during the setup, use the AutoSSL feature in your cPanel. Using that feature SSL certificates are automatically installed and renewed for your domains, ensuring secure connections without extra effort. For some users you will need to install it manually.
- Benefit: This saves you time and money, allowing you to focus on growing your site rather than dealing with complex security setup or extra charges for SSL.
Also read: Activating a Free SSL Certificate for WordPress
2. Easy installation and automatic renewal
Bluehost makes securing your site with an SSL certificate as seamless as possible by handling both installation and renewal automatically. This means you don’t have to worry about technical aspects or keeping track of renewal dates.
- Installation: Once you’ve chosen your hosting plan, AutoSSL is a cPanel feature that automatically installs your SSL certificate for you. The process is quick and hassle-free, requiring no technical expertise from your side.
- Automatic renewal: Bluehost also takes care of renewing your SSL certificate before it expires with auto-renewal option. You’ll never have to worry about your certificate lapsing, as Bluehost ensures uninterrupted protection for your website.
- Benefit: This hands-off approach guarantees that your site is always secure without you having to worry about the technical details and it keeps your website free from security warnings or data breaches caused by expired certificates.
3. Advanced security options for businesses
For businesses, especially those dealing with sensitive information such as customer data, payment details or personal information, Bluehost offers premium SSL certificates that provide enhanced security features. These advanced SSL certificates ensure your site meets the highest standards of protection, giving both you and your customers peace of mind.
- Premium SSL options: Bluehost’s premium SSL certificates include options like Organization Validated (OV) SSL and Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates, which provide greater levels of encryption and validation. EV SSL offers the highest level of trust, displaying a green address bar in the browser and signaling to users that your site is trustworthy and secure.
- Security for larger sites: These advanced SSL certificates are perfect for eCommerce sites, financial institutions or any business handling sensitive transactions or customer data. By providing stronger encryption, it protects your business and ensures that customer information is safely transmitted.
- Benefit: Premium certificates give businesses a competitive edge by providing a higher level of trust and security. Customers are more likely to engage with and trust a site that uses high-level encryption to protect their data.
4. Easy-to-manage SSL with Bluehost’s support
Bluehost not only makes SSL setup simple but also offers continuous support for SSL management. Whether you’re managing a small blog or a large eCommerce store, Bluehost ensures that you’re never alone when it comes to maintaining your site’s security.
- Support for SSL management: If you ever have questions or run into issues with SSL certificates, Bluehost offers dedicated customer support that can help with troubleshooting. This ensures that even if you encounter an issue, you’ll have professional assistance available to resolve it quickly.
- Benefit: The peace of mind that comes with knowing you have expert support behind you can help reduce the complexity of SSL management. Bluehost’s support team is available 24/7, helping via live chat, phone or email.
How to get an SSL certificate with Bluehost
Step-by-step guide on how to activate an SSL certificate with Bluehost.
- Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
- Click Websites on the left side of the navigation menu.
- Locate your website
- Click the My Sites tab and find the website you want to secure.
- Click the Manage button to access the site settings.
- Open the security tab
- Navigate to the Security tab to find SSL settings.
- Enable free SSL
- Under Security Certificate, toggle the Free SSL option ON.
- Alternative activation method
- You can also check your website’s SSL/TLS status in the Account Manager and click the Activate button to enable the free SSL certificate.
- Wait for activation
- SSL activation may take a few hours. Once activated, your website will display HTTPS.
- Verify SSL installation
- Visit your website and check for the padlock icon in the address bar.
- You can also use an SSL checker tool to confirm the certificate is active.
- Ensure HTTPS is enforced
- In WordPress, navigate to Settings > General and update both WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) to include “https://”.
- Set up a redirect to ensure all traffic is directed to HTTPS
- Clear cache & test the website
- Clear your browser cache and refresh your website to ensure everything is working properly.
Final thoughts
Your website’s security isn’t something to overlook. An SSL certificate doesn’t just protect data. It builds trust, improves search rankings and ensures compliance with security standards. If you’re running a blog, business website or online store, securing your visitors’ data with the right SSL certificate types is a must.
Bluehost makes it simple by offering free SSL certificates, easy installation and automatic renewals. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take the first step toward a secure and trusted website today. Activate your free SSL certificate with Bluehost now.
FAQs
Without an SSL certificate, your website will show a “Not Secure” warning in browsers, which can cause visitors to feel unsafe and leave your site. This lack of security can harm your website’s authenticity and lead to a loss of potential customers.
If your SSL certificate expires, your website will no longer encrypt data and visitors will receive warnings that the connection is not secure. This can affect user trust and your site’s ability to handle sensitive information like passwords and payments especially before the expiration of the certificate.
Your website will still be accessible, but users will see a warning that the site is insecure, which may discourage them from browsing or making purchases. It’s important to renew your certificate to avoid these issues.
Yes, Bluehost provides free SSL certificates with all hosting plans, making it easy to secure your website without additional costs.
Yes, Bluehost offers premium SSL certificates that provide higher levels of validation and encryption, offering extra security for websites that require more protection, such as eCommerce sites.
Even if you don’t handle sensitive data, having an SSL certificate is still important. It boosts your SEO rankings, improves user trust and ensures a secure connection between your site and its visitors.
