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Building trust online starts the moment you create a website and choose a domain name. In this article, Prof. Dr. Dennis-Kenji Kipker, an expert in cybersecurity and digital resilience, explains what an SSL certificate is and why it matters for keeping your site and visitors safe. If you’re learning how to open a website, understanding SSL is one of the first steps to protecting both your site and your audience.

As the scientific director of the cyberintelligence.institute in Frankfurt, board member of CERTAVO AG and visiting professor at the Riga Graduate School of Law, Prof. Kipker breaks down how SSL encryption works, what threats it prevents and how to protect your website from the ground up.

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What is an SSL certificate?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. That might sound complicated, but at its core, it simply means a secure connection is established between your browser and a website. An SSL certificate is like a digital ID card for websites. It confirms that a website is authentic and encrypts the data exchanged between you and the site.

You can recognize a valid SSL certificate by the small padlock icon in your browser’s address bar and the “https://” at the beginning of the URL. Clicking on the padlock allows you to see details like the website’s name, the certificate issuer and the expiration date.

These details should match the website to ensure the certificate is genuine. A valid certificate is always issued by a trusted certification authority, such as Let’s Encrypt or DigiCert.

Technically, SSL has been replaced by Transport Layer Security (TLS). Even though the term “SSL” is still widely used, we are actually talking about TLS certificates today.

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What does an SSL certificate do?

An SSL certificate keeps your website safe by locking the information visitors share, like passwords or payment details, so no one else can read it. It also proves your site is real and trustworthy.

An SSL certificate ensures that the connection between your device, like a smartphone or computer, and the website is encrypted. Encryption converts data into a code that only the intended recipient can decode. Think of it like a sealed envelope: without encryption, anyone could read or alter the contents without detection. With SSL, the “envelope” is securely closed.

Websites without an SSL certificate often display a “Not Secure” warning, which can discourage users. When you visit a site with “https://,” a process called the SSL/TLS handshake begins: your browser requests a certificate from the website’s server containing information such as the site’s name and public key.

Your browser verifies that the certificate is valid and matches the website. If everything checks out, the browser and server create a unique encryption key used only for that session. From that moment on, all data exchanged between your device and the website is encrypted. Even if someone intercepts it, they wouldn’t be able to read or understand it without the key.

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Why are SSL certificates important?

SSL certificates are essential for multiple reasons, for both users and website owners.

"Cybersecurity is not just a technical matter: it is above all a posture, a way of thinking about the management of one's site, one's tools, one's teams." - Allan Kinic, cybersecurity expert and founder of Prevention-internet.fr

1. Privacy (GDPR)

2. Search engine optimization

3. Verification (authentication security)

4. Data integrity

5. Customer trust

01. Privacy (GDPR)

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union requires that personal data be protected during transmission. This includes names, addresses, email addresses and payment information. SSL certificates provide this protection through encryption.

So, is SSL mandatory? Indirectly, yes. GDPR requires appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data (Art. 32 GDPR). Without SSL encryption, secure transmission can’t be guaranteed, which could constitute a GDPR violation with potential fines.

“The GDPR has a clear objective: to create a space of trust where users can decide who, how, and for what purposes their personal data is used.” - Marina Brocca, regulatory compliance consultant specializing in GDPR and LOPDGDD

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02. Search engine optimization

Search engines like Google and Bing favor websites with SSL certificates. A secure connection can improve your search ranking, which is especially important if you want to attract new customers or readers.

03. Verification (authentication security)

An SSL certificate confirms that a website is legitimate and not a potentially harmful copy. This protects users from phishing and fraud, making it clear that the site they’re visiting is authentic and trustworthy.

Explore these website security tips to keep your site protected.

04. Data integrity

SSL not only protects against eavesdropping but also against tampering. You can be confident that information arrives exactly as sent, without unwanted or unnoticed alterations by third parties.

05. Customer trust

SSL also boosts visitors’ confidence in your site. When users see the padlock icon in the browser bar, it signals security and professionalism. A lack of SSL can deter people, as no one wants to use an “unsafe” site.

Types of SSL certificates

There are different types of SSL certificates depending on your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:

Single domain certificate (SSL/TLS)

A single-domain certificate protects one domain, for example, “www.wix.com.” It’s ideal for websites or blogs with only one URL and is probably the most common type of SSL certificate.

Many hosting providers automatically provide a free single-domain certificate for every domain created, making it especially convenient for beginners or smaller projects. With just a few clicks, your website is encrypted without requiring technical knowledge.

Recommended reading:  How much does a domain cost? 

Multi-domain certificate (SAN/UC)

SAN stands for Subject Alternative Name and UC means Unified Communications. These certificates protect multiple domains simultaneously, e.g., “www.your-site.com,” “shop.your-site.com” and “portfolio.your-site.com.”

For smaller companies or projects, individual single-domain certificates for each domain are often easier to manage.

Wildcard certificate

A wildcard certificate covers a main domain and all its subdomains. For example, “www.your-site.com,” “blog.your-site.com” and “shop.your-site.com” can all be protected with a single certificate.

Final thoughts about SSL certificates

Today, an SSL certificate is no longer optional, it’s essential. It protects personal data, increases visitor trust, and is even legally required when processing personal data.

Which certificate is right for you depends on how you use your website. Single-domain certificates are sufficient for small sites, while multi-domain and wildcard certificates make sense for larger projects. If you’re not a technical expert, make sure to choose a hosting provider that makes generating and installing an SSL certificate easy. This ensures your site meets legal requirements and builds trust with your users.

Meet the expert

Prof. Dr. Dennis-Kenji Kipker is a leading expert in cybersecurity and digital resilience. He is the scientific director of the cyberintelligence.institute in Frankfurt, a member of the board of CERTAVO AG and a visiting professor at the Riga Graduate School of Law, where he specializes in global IT law and cyber strategy.

What is an SSL certificate FAQ

Do I need an SSL certificate if I already have web hosting?

Yes. While most web hosting providers include SSL by default, not all do. SSL encrypts the connection between your site and visitors, protecting sensitive data like logins or payments. If your web hosting plan doesn’t include one, you can add it manually. When comparing providers, look for those offering eCommerce hosting with free SSL, like Wix, where it’s automatically included.

How does SSL affect my website's SEO and domain name search visibility?

Search engines prioritize secure sites, so having an SSL certificate can help your site rank higher in domain name search results. It signals trustworthiness and data protection, which Google values. When you register your domain, whether through a domain name generator or manually, make sure SSL is activated to give your website a competitive SEO advantage.

What's the connection between SSL certificates and cloud hosting vs shared hosting?

Cloud hosting vs shared hosting can support SSL, but the setup and performance differ. In shared hosting, resources are shared between multiple sites, which can impact speed and reliability. Cloud hosting, on the other hand, offers scalability, faster performance and enhanced security, ideal for sites handling sensitive data. SSL complements both by securing connections, but it pairs especially well with the stability of cloud environments.

How much does it cost to get an SSL certificate with my web hosting plan?

The web hosting cost varies, but with Wix, SSL is included on every plan. Some hosts charge extra for advanced certificates, yet for most websites, especially personal or business sites, the included SSL is all you need. When comparing hosting costs, factor in whether SSL, domain registration and best online storage solutions are bundled together for better value.

What's the best way to secure an eCommerce site with SSL and reliable hosting?

For online stores, SSL is a must to protect checkout data and customer information. Look for eCommerce hosting that includes built-in SSL, automatic renewals and cloud hosting reliability. Platforms like Wix offer all-in-one security. so you can set up your store, connect your domain via a domain name generator and enjoy encrypted transactions without extra setup.