Last update: June 18, 2023

Demystifying SSL: An Extensive Look Into SSL Certificates, Their Importance, and How To Handle SSL Errors

What is SSL and Its Meaning?

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a standard security technology implemented to establish an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data transmitted between the web server and the browser remain private and integral, thereby keeping sensitive information secure from potential breaches.

An SSL certificate is essentially a data file hosted on a website’s origin server. It makes SSL encryption possible by including the website’s public key and the website’s identity, along with related information. Devices attempting to communicate with the origin server will reference this file to obtain the public key and verify the server’s identity. The private key, stored securely on the server, is then used to decrypt the encrypted data.

The Importance of SSL Certificates

SSL Certificates form the backbone of our secure Internet by protecting sensitive information as it traverses the world’s computer networks. SSL is crucial for protecting a website, even if it doesn’t handle sensitive information. It provides privacy, critical security, and data integrity for both your websites and your users’ personal information.

This digital certificate serves two significant functions:

1. It authenticates the identity of the website, thereby fostering trust among its users.
2. It encrypts the data being transmitted.

SSL certificates come from trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs), who validate the website owner’s identity before issuing a certificate. This vetting process assures visitors that they’re not sending their information to malicious imposter sites.

SSL is so crucial that Google uses it as a ranking signal in its search engine algorithm. Websites without SSL certificates will also trigger security warnings on most modern browsers, which could deter potential visitors.

Free SSL Certificate

Although SSL certificates are typically purchased from web hosting companies, there are ways to get them for free. One popular source of free SSL certificates is Let’s Encrypt, a non-profit certificate authority that provides X.509 certificates for Transport Layer Security (TLS) at no charge. Their mission is to make encrypted connections on the Internet ubiquitous. By providing free certificates, they help to increase the number of websites that implement SSL/TLS and, thus, increase the overall security of the internet.

SSL vs. TLS: What’s the Difference?

While we’ve been discussing SSL, you might also have come across the term TLS, or Transport Layer Security. So, what’s the difference?

SSL and TLS are both cryptographic protocols designed to provide secure communication over networks. SSL is actually the predecessor to TLS. While people still commonly refer to this kind of encryption as SSL, most “SSL” connections today are technically using TLS.

Over time, new versions of these protocols have been released to address vulnerabilities and support stronger, more secure encryption algorithms. SSL’s most recent version is SSL 3.0, while TLS’s current version is TLS 1.3. After the discovery of significant security flaws in SSL 3.0, the Internet community switched to TLS. Despite this switch, the term “SSL” is still widely used instead of “TLS.”

SSL Port and SSL VPN

Typically, an SSL connection operates through port 443. A port is an endpoint in an operating system that helps distinguish traffic destined for different services or applications. SSL port 443 is the standard port for HTTPS traffic, where the “S” signifies that it’s secure, thanks to SSL/TLS.

An SSL VPN (Virtual Private Network), on the other hand, provides a secure connection between an external network and an internal network. This is usually done through the internet, with SSL providing the encryption for that connection.

SSL Errors and How to Handle Them

If an SSL error occurs, it means that the browser has found a problem with the SSL certificate of the website you are trying to reach. Common SSL errors include:

1. Expired SSL Certificate: SSL certificates are valid for a certain period, and if they are not renewed, they expire, triggering this error. To solve it, the site owner needs to renew the certificate.
2. SSL Certificate Name Mismatch: This happens when the domain name does not match the name on the SSL certificate. The website owner needs to ensure the certificate name matches the website’s domain name.
3. Untrusted Certificate Authority: If the certificate isn’t issued by a trusted certificate authority, browsers will display this error. The website owner should get their certificate from a trusted source.
4. SSL Connection Not Secure: This error can be caused by a variety of issues, including a weak cipher being used in the SSL certificate. The website owner should review their certificate and configuration to ensure it meets current standards.

SSL Checker and SSL Certificate Checker

An SSL Checker or an SSL Certificate Checker is an online tool that checks your SSL certificate’s status and reveals any potential issues that may disrupt the SSL connection.

SSL checkers typically inspect:

• The validity of the certificate
• The domains the certificate covers
• Whether the certificate is correctly installed
• Whether the correct paths to certificate chains are in use
• If the server is providing browsers with the necessary SSL certificates

Popular SSL checkers include SSL Shopper and SSL Hopper, which offer free online SSL Certificate Checker services. GoDaddy also provides an SSL Checker, particularly for its GoDaddy SSL certificates.

These SSL checkers are essential tools for website owners, as they help identify potential issues that may impact the site’s security or search engine rankings.

SSL Tester

An SSL tester goes beyond just checking the certificate and will typically test the server’s SSL/TLS configuration, identifying weak ciphers, protocols, and more. It can be used to help harden a server’s SSL configuration by providing recommendations for improvements.

SSL Encryption

In the context of SSL, encryption is the process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. SSL uses two keys to accomplish this: a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the SSL encryption process works:

1. A browser attempts to connect to a website secured with SSL.
2. The browser requests that the web server identifies itself.
3. The server sends a copy of its SSL certificate, including the server’s public key.
4. The browser checks the certificate root against a list of trusted Certificate Authorities and that the certificate is unexpired, unrevoked, and its common name is valid for the website it is connecting to. If it trusts the certificate, it creates, encrypts, and sends back a symmetric session key using the server’s public key.
5. The server decrypts the symmetric session key using its private key and sends back an acknowledgment encrypted with the session key to start the encrypted session.
6. The server and browser now encrypt all transmitted data with the session key.

Check SSL Certificate and SSL Cert Check

Aside from SSL checkers, you can also manually check an SSL certificate. Most modern web browsers let you view a site’s SSL certificate by clicking on the lock icon in the address bar. This will typically provide information about the certificate’s validity, the issuing authority, and the details of the entity it was issued to.

Conclusion

SSL plays a crucial role in the modern internet landscape, offering security and trust to both website owners and their visitors. From understanding SSL errors to using tools like an SSL checker or SSL tester, staying on top of SSL-related matters can help maintain a website’s reputation and ranking, while protecting sensitive data from being intercepted.

As technology and security standards continue to evolve, so will the protocols and tools related to SSL. Ensuring your knowledge remains current will help you stay ahead of any potential issues and ensure your website remains secure and trustworthy in the eyes of your users and search engines alike. Remember, a secure site is a successful site.

Top 10 SSL Certificate Checkers Online

In today’s digital era, securing your online platform is a paramount concern. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates play a crucial role in ensuring your website’s security and enhancing the trust of your users. However, managing and checking these certificates for their validity and reliability can sometimes be challenging. To simplify this process, various online tools are available that can help you check the status and details of your SSL certificates.

This article introduces you to the top 10 online SSL certificate checkers that you can use to verify your website’s SSL status. These tools will enable you to ensure that your certificates are up to date and functioning correctly.

1. SSL Shopper

SSL Shopper is a comprehensive online tool that provides an SSL checker feature. The tool offers an easy-to-use interface where you only need to enter your website’s URL, and it will provide detailed information about the SSL certificate. The results include certificate issuer details, validity period, and any potential configuration issues. It’s a handy tool for both website owners and users to verify the security of a website.

2. DigiCert SSL Tool

DigiCert is renowned in the cyber security domain and its SSL Tool is one of the most comprehensive online SSL certificate checkers available. With its easy-to-navigate interface, DigiCert SSL Tool offers an in-depth analysis of your SSL certificates, providing valuable insights such as certificate details, server configuration, and chain issues. It also gives solutions to any problems found during the analysis.

3. Qualys SSL Labs

Qualys SSL Labs offers one of the most advanced SSL testing tools online. It performs a deep analysis of the configuration of any SSL web server. Its comprehensive report presents the status of your certificate, its chain of trust, and the overall rating of your server’s configuration. This detailed report can help you make necessary changes to your SSL configuration to enhance your website’s security.

4. GeoTrust SSL Checker

GeoTrust is another big name in the world of online security. Its SSL checker tool provides a quick and easy way to verify your SSL certificate. This tool checks your website’s SSL status and presents a detailed report, including information about the issuer of the certificate, the expiry date, and whether the certificate has been correctly installed.

5. Comodo SSL Analyzer

Comodo’s SSL Analyzer is a robust online tool that provides a detailed analysis of your SSL certificate and server configuration. The tool checks the SSL certificate for correct installation, validity, and trustworthiness. It also performs server tests to check for vulnerabilities that could compromise your website’s security.

6. Symantec SSL Toolbox

Symantec, now known as NortonLifeLock, offers a versatile SSL Toolbox. It not only checks your SSL certificate for validity but also scans your website for other security issues. It provides detailed information about the SSL certificate and suggests possible solutions for any potential problems.

7. Wormly SSL Test

Wormly provides an SSL Test tool that checks the installation of your SSL certificate and its functionality. The test report includes the certificate’s expiry date, issuer details, and server compatibility. It’s a user-friendly tool that makes SSL certificate management easier for website administrators.

8. SSL Checker by Website Planet

Website Planet’s SSL Checker tool is a free, straightforward SSL certificate verification tool. It provides comprehensive details about the SSL certificate such as its issuance date, expiry date, issuing authority, and any potential configuration errors.

9. SSL Certificate Checker by Jitbit

Jitbit’s SSL Certificate Checker is a simple tool that offers basic information about your SSL certificate, including the issuing authority and expiry date. One unique feature of this tool is its capability to send you an email alert before your SSL certificate expires, helping you avoid any unforeseen website security issues.

10. SSL Server Test by ImmuniWeb

ImmuniWeb’s SSL Server Test provides a comprehensive analysis of your SSL/TLS security and configuration. The detailed report includes the server’s overall grade, certificate information, protocol details, and vulnerabilities if any are present. This tool also offers tips and guidelines on how to fix any issues detected.

Each of these SSL certificate checker tools has its unique features and benefits. While some provide basic information about the SSL certificate, others provide a detailed analysis, including server configuration and vulnerabilities. The choice of the tool will depend on your requirements. However, it’s always a good idea to periodically check your SSL certificates to ensure the safety and security of your website.

It’s important to remember that SSL certificates don’t just authenticate and encrypt data between your website and the user’s browser; they also help build trust with your users. Regularly checking your SSL certificates using these online tools can be an effective step in maintaining your website’s overall security.

While the tools listed above can help you manage and validate your SSL certificates, the ultimate responsibility for your website’s security lies with you. Always ensure to keep your certificates up-to-date and follow best practices in SSL/TLS configuration.

Remember, in the digital world, security is never a destination but a continuous journey!