SSL Certificate

Simplified: An SSL certificate enables encrypted communication between the user’s device and the website. A secure SSL site can be identified by the lock icon in the address bar and a URL starting with https.

 

In this article

Is an SSL Certificate Mandatory?

Yes, it is gradually becoming essential. Particularly if your site has forms to fill out, requires logging into a service, or asks for customer payment information, having a certificate is beneficial. Establishing an online store without an SSL certificate is practically impossible. Internet users are increasingly aware of this, and it’s a pity if someone “turns away” upon noticing your site is not secured.

When the browser *) shows a gray info bubble and the text “Not secure” in the address bar, many visitors get alarmed.

Even more alarming is a notification that appears when there is any issue with SSL encryption, whether it’s an expired certificate or a missing redirect from an http address to an https address. In such cases, the browser will prominently warn that an attacker may steal all your data if you’re not careful. Usually, it’s not an actual attack, so you can reassure your customers and quickly fix the SSL certificate.

Contact me if you have problems with your SSL certificate. I’m happy to help!

* A browser could be, for example, “Google” (Chrome), Edge, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox. It’s the tool you use to access the internet. If your browser is Explorer, I recommend switching to one of the above quickly!

How Much Does an SSL Certificate Cost?

The price range is wide due to the different levels of protection provided by certificates. For basic sites, a free Let’s Encrypt certificate is sufficient, but for a large online store, a more robust (paid) certificate is recommended. Certificate prices range from 0 to 250 €/year. Additionally, there may be costs from your service provider’s monthly fee, as some web hosting providers charge extra for enabling SSL certificates. Nowadays, almost all service providers include an SSL certificate in their packages.

Sivutaikuri's Tip

I usually recommend Zoner’s services to my clients. With Zoner, you can get a domain, web hosting, and email boxes all at once, along with professional customer service.

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