What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a technology developed to encrypt the data exchanged between your web browser and a website. With SSL, sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal data is protected and cannot be read by third parties. SSL was long the standard for secure connections on the internet.
What is TLS?
TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the successor to SSL and provides even better protection for your data. While SSL is now outdated, TLS is used today as the more secure and modern encryption method. When people refer to “SSL,” they usually mean TLS, since the two terms are often used interchangeably. The key point is this: just like SSL, TLS ensures that the connection between your website and its visitors is safe and encrypted.
How can I see if my website is secured with SSL/TLS?
You can easily check if your website is secured:
Lock symbol: A small lock icon appears in your browser’s address bar when the connection is secure.
“https” in the URL: Instead of “http,” your website’s address begins with https. The “s” stands for secure and shows that the connection is encrypted.
Check the SSL certificate: You can also click on the lock icon to view information about your website’s SSL/TLS certificate. There you can see if the certificate is valid and which certificate authority issued it.
By making sure your website is secured with SSL/TLS, you not only protect your visitors’ data but also increase trust in your website. Many browsers mark websites without SSL/TLS as “not secure,” which can discourage potential visitors.