SSL Checker

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection. SSL certificates are essential for establishing secure HTTPS connections between web servers and browsers, protecting sensitive data such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal information from being intercepted by malicious actors.

Modern SSL certificates use TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol, which is the successor to SSL. When a website has a valid SSL certificate, browsers display a padlock icon in the address bar, indicating that the connection is secure. This not only protects user data but also builds trust and can improve search engine rankings, as search engines like Google prioritize HTTPS websites.

How SSL Certificates Work

SSL certificates work through a process called SSL/TLS handshake. When a user connects to a website via HTTPS, the server presents its SSL certificate to the browser. The browser then verifies the certificate's authenticity by checking if it's issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), if it's valid (not expired), and if it matches the domain name.

Once verified, the browser and server establish an encrypted session using public-key cryptography. This ensures that all data transmitted between the user's browser and the website is encrypted and cannot be read by unauthorized parties. The certificate also contains the server's public key, which is used to establish this secure connection.

Types of SSL Certificates

There are several types of SSL certificates available, each offering different levels of validation and security:

• Domain Validated (DV) Certificates: Basic validation that only verifies domain ownership. Quick to obtain and most common.
• Organization Validated (OV) Certificates: Requires business verification and displays organization details in the certificate.
• Extended Validation (EV) Certificates: Highest level of validation requiring extensive business verification. Shows the company name in the browser address bar.
• Wildcard Certificates: Secure a domain and all its subdomains with a single certificate.
• Multi-Domain (SAN) Certificates: Secure multiple domains with a single certificate.

Common SSL Issues and Solutions

Our SSL checker helps identify common SSL certificate issues that can affect your website's security and user trust:

• Expired Certificates: Certificates that have passed their expiration date. Solution: Renew your certificate before it expires.
• Self-Signed Certificates: Certificates not issued by a trusted CA. Solution: Use certificates from trusted CAs for public websites.
• Domain Mismatch: Certificate doesn't match the domain name. Solution: Ensure the certificate covers all domains you use.
• Chain Issues: Incomplete or broken certificate chain. Solution: Install all intermediate certificates.
• Weak Algorithms: Using outdated or weak encryption algorithms. Solution: Use modern certificates with strong encryption.

Regular SSL monitoring is essential to maintain website security and user trust. Our SSL checker provides comprehensive certificate analysis to help you identify and resolve these issues quickly.