What Is SSL? Types, Benefits & SSL vs TLS Explained

Have you seen that lock icon in your Internet browser? This little image provides a great deal of functionality to users by indicating to them that their connection to your website is secure and that data sent to your website is safe as well. 

If you are still using an HTTP connection, now would be a good time to upgrade your site’s security.

What Is SSL?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a technology that secures the connection between a user’s browser and a website server. It encrypts the data so no one can read or steal it during transmission.

Although today, the SSL technology has been replaced by Transport Layer Security (TLS), most individuals continue to use the term “SSL”, and this term can still be used when discussing either protocol (SSL or TLS).

When the SSL protocol is in use, the URL of your website will change from “HTTP” to “HTTPS”, and a padlock icon will appear in the browser.

How SSL Works

When visitors visit your website, an immediate background process (the SSL handshake) establishes a secure connection.

• Your browser creates a connection with the web server.
• The web server provides the SSL Certificate to the web browser.
• Your browser validates the SSL certificate of the web server.
• A secure key will be generated by both the web server and the web browser.
• Data will begin to flow securely.

Certificate Authorities such as “Let’s Encrypt” issue these certificates to allow web browsers to have confidence in the legitimacy of a website.

Why SSL Is Important

SSL is now more relevant than ever due to its impact on user confidence and search engine rankings. 

• Protects sensitive data like passwords and payment details
• Prevents attackers from intercepting communication
• Builds user trust through HTTPS and the padlock icon
• Helps improve rankings on Google
• Supports faster protocols like HTTP/2

If a site does not have an SSL certificate installed, browsers are likely to display a message indicating the site is not secure, which may discourage visitors from visiting the page altogether.

Helps improve rankings on Google as HTTPS is an important part of technical SEO

Types of SSL Certificates

Not all SSL certificates are the same. They differ based on the level of verification they provide.

Domain Validation (DV)

The most straightforward type of certificate. You can establish that you have access to the domain. The process is quick, usually free. 

Best for all small websites, personal projects, or blogs. 

Organization Validation (OV)

This certificate verifies that both the domain and the company that owns it are valid. The trust level of visitors increases because they can verify both. 

Ideal for business websites that collect user data/information.

Extended Validation (EV) 

EV certificates undergo an extensive verification process to establish the company’s legal identity. 

Used most frequently on e-commerce sites or financial sites where establishing trust is critical.

Other Types (Based on Usage)

Some certificates are designed for specific setups:

• Wildcard SSL → Secures one domain and all its subdomains
• Multi-Domain (SAN) → Secures multiple domains
• Self-signed certificates → Used for testing, not trusted publicly

Free vs Paid SSL

The cost of obtaining an SSL certificate has decreased dramatically in recent years. Many sites now use free options to get SSL as well.

Let’s Encrypt is one such service that offers free, widely trusted SSL certificates. Cloudflare is also another provider that offers SSL as part of its service.

There still are paid SSL certificates; however, they are usually only a value add to:

Paid SSL certificates still exist, but they are mainly useful for:

• Business verification
• Compliance requirements
• Enterprise-level support

For most websites, free SSL is more than enough.

SSL vs TLS (What’s the Difference?)

People often get confused about this. SSL was used first; it has since been replaced with TLS.

Today, TLS is better than SSL. It’s also quicker than SSL. All modern websites now use TLS instead of SSL. So, when you buy an SSL certificate, the actual certificate used behind the scenes is TLS (not SSL)!

How to Install SSL

Most hosting providers make SSL setup simple. You don’t need technical expertise.

The basic steps look like this:

• Log in to your hosting dashboard [check our guide on web hosting and domains]
• Find the SSL or security section
• Enable or install the certificate
• Force HTTPS redirection [how to set up redirects properly]
• Test your website

Many hosts offer one-click SSL installation, so the process takes just a few minutes.

What Happens Without SSL?

Running a website without SSL creates multiple risks.

Your visitors may see warnings that your site is not secure. This alone can reduce trust and increase bounce rates.

More importantly, any data sent through your website can be exposed. This becomes especially risky on public networks.

Over time, it can also affect your search visibility, as secure websites are prioritized.

Final Thoughts

Having an SSL certificate is a must-have in today’s digital world. It helps protect users, build trust, and improve web ranking. Enabling SSL on your website is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your website, regardless of whether you operate a blog or a commercial website.

If you have not yet transitioned from HTTP to HTTPS, transitioning to HTTPS should be your goal today.