What is an SSL certificate and why do you need it?
Imagine you enter a website and your browser gives you a «not secure site» warning. What would you do? You would probably close the tab and look for another option. That’s what happens when a site doesn’t have an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. Having it installed is not just a technical issue: it means security, trust, and a good image for your online project. Let’s see what it is in a simple way without technicalities.
Table of Contents
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital credential that encrypts the connection between your website and your visitors. Thus, the data travels protected, and no one can read it along the way.
With SSL active, your site will load with https and the browser will display the padlock next to your domain. This indicates that the communication is secure and that the server is who it claims to be.
How does an SSL certificate work?
Data encryption
A secure channel is generated between the browser and the server. Everything sent (forms, logins, payments, cookies) travels encrypted.
Server authentication
The certificate is issued by a Certification Authority (CA) and confirms that the server is legitimate. It prevents impersonations and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Browser trust (green padlock, HTTPS)
With a valid certificate, the browser shows the padlock and the URL starts with https://. If something fails (expired certificate, incorrect domain), the browser will warn you with a clear alert.
Why do you need an SSL certificate on your website?
Data and transaction security
It protects credentials, personal data, and payments. It’s the minimum foundation for a serious site.
Improvement of trust and reputation
The padlock conveys peace of mind. Without SSL, browsers issue warnings that scare away visitors. It’s clear that it’s essential, especially for online stores, who would dare to enter their card on an insecure website?
SEO benefit (Google prioritizes it)
Google penalizes websites without SSL certificates. How is that possible? Well, it’s simpler than it seems. SEO is the key for rankings, for some time now Google warns users if they enter an insecure site, so they get scared (as is normal) and leave. Then, by entering and leaving your website quickly, it worsens your statistics all around. This makes Google not show you among the top results. Why show interest in a website that people run away from? Something must be wrong, right?
If it’s already complicated to appear at the top with hard work, don’t let an SSL separate you from stardom.
Compliance with regulations (GDPR, PCI-DSS, ENS)
SSL is not everything, but it helps meet security requirements: it protects data in transit (GDPR), is a requirement in payments (PCI-DSS), and is a good practice in frameworks like the ENS.
Types of SSL certificates
This is where many people get lost, but let’s make it easy. Think of SSL certificates as different levels of trust, from basic to the most demanding.
Domain Validation SSL (DV)
It’s the fastest to obtain. You need to have access to the domain because to request validation, you will need a DNS record. That is, to prove that you are the owner. Ideal if you have a blog or a simple website and what you are looking for is that no one sees your data.
Organization Validation SSL (OV)
It takes a step further. Here not only the domain is checked, but also the company behind it is validated. It’s perfect for businesses that want to convey more trust.
Extended Validation SSL (EV)
This is the top of the line in terms of reviews. It is the certificate that verifies that the holder has undergone the most secure level of investigation and identity verification. To validate that your website is authentic and legitimate. That is, the company that has EV must be trustworthy, no doubt.
Wildcard SSL (for subdomains)
Now, if you have many subdomains (like blog.yourdomain.com, mail.yourdomain.com, app.yourdomain.com), a Wildcard SSL is convenient for you because it covers all under one certificate.
Multi-domain SSL (SAN/UCC)
And if instead of subdomains you manage several different domains, then a Multi-domain SSL (SAN/UCC) is for you, with which you can protect different projects without needing a certificate for each one.
Quick comparison
| Type | For whom? | Validation | Covers | Advantages | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DV | Blogs, landing pages, personal websites | Domain | 1 domain | Fast issuance, free available | When you need immediate basic security |
| OV | Companies and organizations | Company + domain | 1 domain | More brand trust | If you represent an entity and handle customer data |
| EV | Regulated sectors, banking, legal | Extended audit | 1 domain | Maximum identity verification | When corporate identity is critical |
| Wildcard | Projects with many subdomains | Domain (and in some cases, organization) | Domain + *subdomains* | Scales without subdomain limits, free with us | If you use staging, blog, app, mail, etc. |
| Multi-domain (SAN) | Different brands/micro-sites | Domain/Org. | Multiple domains | Saves certificates and renewals. Free | If you manage several websites at once |
Hey, we compare more things here: Comparison of SSL security certificates.
So, if there are free ones, why would I pay? Among other advantages, having so much security helps you too. If you suffer an attack and your or your clients’ data is stolen, with a free SSL you would have already lost everything without any backup. But with a premium one, there are insurances that protect and help you in case of an attack, they take responsibility if their product does not fulfill the promise you paid for.
How to obtain and install an SSL certificate?
Free certificates (e.g., Let’s Encrypt)
Activate it and forget about problems. To start, it works perfectly: solid encryption and automatic renewals. In our Hosting plans we include free Let’s Encrypt SSL already installed as wildcard and multi-domain (that is, we cover everything for free from the first moment), with automatic installation and renewals.
Paid certificates (more guarantees and support)
If you are looking for organization or extended verification, or need specific SSLs, hire a premium certificate. You will gain additional trust and specialized support.
Automatic installation from control panel
Do it directly from your panel:
1. Enter your Control Panel.
2. Go to Security → SSL Certificates.
3. Choose between Let’s Encrypt (you already have it installed) or download SSL Premium if you have special requirements.
4. Request your SSL in just a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions about SSL
Is it mandatory to have an SSL on my website?
For modern websites, yes, it is mandatory. Browsers warn if there is no HTTPS and many external services require it. Additionally, it helps in SEO and is a requirement in payments.
What happens if I don’t have an SSL certificate?
Your users will see «not secure site» warnings which will make you lose conversions, clicks, visit time… in short, SEO down the drain… So Google will take away your visibility. Clear recommendation: activate HTTPS now.
Is a free SSL enough for my business?
To start, yes. If you manage payments or need to display corporate identity, make the jump to OV or EV.
How to know if my SSL is working?
Look at the padlock in the browser and check that the URL loads with https://. From the panel, you can see its status and expiration date. If you want to go further, follow this guide to analyze your website’s security.
Advantages of cdmon’s SSL certificates
With us, installing an SSL certificate is as easy as clicking a button. We include free SSLs in all hosting plans and also offer advanced options (Wildcard, multi-domain, or EV) for you to choose the one that best suits your business. The process is automatic and transparent, without technical complications, and always accompanied by Spanish support available 24 hours. Thus, in addition to protecting your website, you convey trust, improve your visibility on Google, and comply with current security requirements.
Conclusion
An SSL certificate is no longer optional, it is the starting point for any serious project on the internet. It protects you and your users, improves your image, strengthens your positioning, and ensures you comply with what the digital environment demands today. Start with a free SSL and, when you need it, make the jump to a more advanced one. The key is not to postpone it: activate your HTTPS and let your website speak of security and trust from the first click.
Keep discovering how to take your project to the next level with our blog!
By: Marina Moreno
Marketing and SEO specialist, always with a cup of coffee in hand. She loves languages, dogs, and finding new ways to improve your online visibility.
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