How to install an SSL certificate? What is SSL?

Installing an SSL certificate is one of the best ways to secure transactions and customers' personal data. Having an SSL certificate on your website protects against hacking attacks and attempts to steal or lose data, thereby increasing users' trust in your store.

and enhances your credibility in the eyes of buyers. How to install this certificate? We have prepared a brief guide that will lead you step by step through the entire process.

What is SSL?

SSL, or Secure Socket Layer, is a protocol that encrypts connections on websites. SSL certificates are most commonly used on sites where it is necessary to provide a lot of data. When a user visits a website, a connection is established between their browser and the server. Thanks to the SSL certificate, all actions they take are encrypted and secured, meaning that the data will not be transmitted to third parties who could misuse it for illegal activities. Encryption uses a key of a specific length – the longer the key, the harder it is to break the security and access the data. The presence of the certificate is confirmed by the "https" protocol in the browser’s address bar and a padlock icon in the upper left corner of the browser bar.

The absence of an installed SSL certificate negatively affects both SEO performance and users’ purchasing decisions. Websites without a certificate will rank lower in search results. Users who decide to visit your site will receive a browser warning indicating that the connection is not secure. Implementing an SSL certificate also protects you and your customers from hacking attacks and data leaks. This is especially important due to the applicable GDPR regulations, which require data administrators to ensure the best possible protection of personal data.

How to install an SSL certificate?

To install an SSL certificate, you need: the host’s private key and a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). The installation process can vary depending on the server, certificate, and issuer. You can generate the key and CSR using one of the free tools, such as OpenSSL. To generate the private key, use the command openssl genrsa -des3 -out (YourName).key 2048. Then create and verify a password – you will need it to access the private key. The next step is to generate the CSR using the command openssl req -new -key (YourName).key -out (YourName).csr and fill in the information for your CSR. With the key and CSR file, you can create the certificate.

The certificate requires verification carried out by the Certification Authority. The process consists of two stages: placing a file on the server and sending an email from the domain. If the certification is successful, you will receive your certificate at the provided email address.

Implementing an SSL certificate takes considerable time and involves making many changes to your website. However, it brings tangible benefits – it improves site visibility, protects data security, reduces bounce rates, and much more. Therefore, it is worth implementing it as soon as possible.