Use our fast SSL Checker...
Use our fast SSL Checker to help you quickly diagnose problems with your SSL certificate installation. You can verify the SSL certificate on your web server to make sure it is correctly installed, valid, trusted and doesn't give any errors to any of your users.
CHECK NOW SEE HOW IT WORKS Make sure it is correctly installed...
To use the SSL Checker, simply enter your server's public hostname (internal hostnames aren't supported) in the box below and click the 'Check SSL Now' button.
What are SSL, TLS, and HTTPS?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a type of digital security that permits encrypted communication between a web browser and a website. However, it is currently dismissed and replaced by TLS. TLS is an acronym for Transport Layer Security, and it provides data privacy just like SSL. But since SSL has become an obsolete term, TSL is the correct name to call this form of data privacy protection. Meanwhile, HTTPS is a secure extension of HTTP. If you install and configure an SSL/TLS certificate on your website, you can use the HTTPS protocol to create a secure connection with the server.
How does SSL/TLS work?
When you try to connect to a server, it sends you its TLS certificate. You then verify the server’s certificate through CA (Certificate Authority) certificates on your device to create a secure connection. The verification process utilizes public-key cryptography, like ECC or RSA, to prove that the CA signed the certificate. As far as you trust the CA, it demonstrates that you’re communicating with the server certificate’s subject. However, this does not mean that it is 100% secure – not always.
Why is SSL/TLS important?
The major benefit of SSL/TLS is encryption. Whenever you and your website users enter information on your site, the data goes through several touchpoints before reaching its final destination. Without SSL/TLS, the data moves as plain text, and devious actors can alter or eavesdrop on this data. The second vital benefit is authentication. An SSL/TLS connection ensures that your data is sent to and received from the right server and not a malicious middleman. It helps prevent website impersonation.
Another major benefit of an SSL/TLS connection is data integrity. SSL/TLS connections ensure no alteration or loss of data during transport by adding a MAC (Message Authentication Code).
Another major benefit of an SSL/TLS connection is data integrity. SSL/TLS connections ensure no alteration or loss of data during transport by adding a MAC (Message Authentication Code).
What are the types of SSL certificates?
There are three types of SSL certificates, and they are all used differently:
Wildcard SSL Certificate
Wildcard SSL certificates are used for single domains as well as their subdomains. A subdomain is under the main domain. However, subdomains still have an address that starts with something other than “www.” But not always.
Multi-Domain SSL Certificate
A multi-domain SSL certificate can protect up to 100 different domains. This is the ideal SSL cert for organizations managing multiple websites. It helps them deal with a single unified cert for all their sites.
Unified Communications Certificate
UC certs are closely similar to multi-domain certs since both of them can secure up to 100 domains on one certificate. Nonetheless, UC certs are specifically created for websites that use Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications. They are also different in that they use SAN (Subject Alternative Name) extensions rather than different IP addresses in securing these domains.
Wildcard SSL Certificate
Wildcard SSL certificates are used for single domains as well as their subdomains. A subdomain is under the main domain. However, subdomains still have an address that starts with something other than “www.” But not always.
Multi-Domain SSL Certificate
A multi-domain SSL certificate can protect up to 100 different domains. This is the ideal SSL cert for organizations managing multiple websites. It helps them deal with a single unified cert for all their sites.
Unified Communications Certificate
UC certs are closely similar to multi-domain certs since both of them can secure up to 100 domains on one certificate. Nonetheless, UC certs are specifically created for websites that use Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications. They are also different in that they use SAN (Subject Alternative Name) extensions rather than different IP addresses in securing these domains.
The importance of SSL certificates in your SEO rankings
Installing an SSL certificate on your website is now a new standard, and you can expect your users to leave your site as soon as they notice that your website doesn't have the 'locked padlock.' An SSL cert shows visitors that your website is valuable, verified, and safe from hackers. It is also favored by search engine bots, which improves your SEO rankings.
Use an SSL checker
You can use an SSL checker to verify your SSL certificate installation and track any problem the installation might be having. It runs a diagnostic of the problem, check for vulnerability, and provides you with feedback instantly.