What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital security credential that encrypts the data transmitted between your website and your visitors' browsers. Websites with a valid SSL certificate display "https://" in the address bar along with a padlock icon, signaling a secure, encrypted connection. While the successor protocol is actually TLS (Transport Layer Security), the industry commonly refers to these certificates as "SSL."

How SSL Works

SSL uses asymmetric encryption to establish a secure "handshake" between the web server and the browser. During this process, encryption keys are exchanged, and all subsequent data transfer is encrypted. Sensitive information — passwords, credit card numbers, personal data — becomes unreadable to any third party intercepting the connection.

Why SSL Matters

• Security: Encrypts user data and prevents man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
• SEO: Google gives a ranking advantage to HTTPS sites over HTTP.
• Browser Warnings: Chrome and Firefox display a "Not Secure" warning for non-SSL sites, immediately damaging visitor trust and increasing bounce rates.
• E-Commerce Requirement: PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry) standards require SSL for any site processing card payments.

Teknobursa installs free SSL certificates on all websites we host and develop.