An SSL Certificate, also known as a Secure Socket Layer Certificate, is a vital security mechanism that encrypts data sent between a user’s browser and a website’s server. It guarantees that sensitive information, such as login passwords, credit card information, and personal data, is encrypted and protected while in transit, making it harder for hackers to intercept or tamper with the data.
When a website has an SSL certificate installed, the “https://” prefix in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar indicate it. This not only improves data security, but it also instills trust in website visitors, who know their information is secure when engaging with the site. SSL certificates are required for e-commerce platforms, websites that handle user data, and any site that conducts secure transactions or exchanges user information.