SSL.com FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about SSL.com.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol used to establish an encrypted connection between a web server and a user's web browser.
What is the purpose of SSL?
The purpose of SSL is to secure the transfer of sensitive information, such as credit card details, between a website and its users.
How do I know if a website is using SSL?
Websites using SSL will have a padlock icon in the address bar of your browser, and the URL will start with "https" instead of "http."
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is an unsecured protocol, while HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is secured by SSL.
Why do I get an SSL error?
You may receive an SSL error if there is an issue with the SSL certificate, an expired certificate, or a misconfiguration on the server.
How can I fix an SSL error?
To fix an SSL error, you can try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, ensuring that the SSL certificate is valid and up-to-date, or contacting the website's administrator for assistance.
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that verifies the identity of a website and enables secure communication between the website and its users.
How long does it take to get an SSL certificate?
The time to get an SSL certificate can vary depending on the type of certificate and the provider. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.
How do I install an SSL certificate?
The process for installing an SSL certificate will depend on your web hosting provider and the type of server you are using. It typically involves generating a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) and then installing the certificate once it is issued.
Can I use a free SSL certificate?
Yes, you can use a free SSL certificate from providers such as Let's Encrypt or Cloudflare. However, these certificates may have limitations compared to paid ones.
What is a self-signed SSL certificate?
A self-signed SSL certificate is a certificate that is not issued by a trusted certificate authority. This can cause trust issues for website visitors and may result in warning messages.
Why do I get a "certificate not trusted" warning?
If you receive a "certificate not trusted" warning, it means that the SSL certificate is not recognized or issued by a trusted certificate authority.
How do I fix a certificate not trusted warning?
To fix this issue, you can try importing the certificate into your browser's trusted certificate store or contacting the website owner to update their SSL certificate.
What is a mixed content warning?
A mixed content warning occurs when a website uses both HTTP and HTTPS resources, causing the page to be partially secure. This can pose a security risk for users.
How do I fix a mixed content warning?
To fix a mixed content warning, you can use a plugin or code to force all resources to load over HTTPS or update the links to use HTTPS in the source code of your website.
What is an SSL handshake?
An SSL handshake is the process of establishing a secure connection between a server and a client. This involves exchanging SSL certificates and confirming the identity of both parties.
What does an SSL handshake error mean?
An SSL handshake error means that the secure connection between the server and client could not be established.
How do I fix an SSL handshake error?
To fix an SSL handshake error, you can try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, updating your browser, or contacting the website owner to ensure their SSL certificate is valid.
Can an SSL certificate expire?
Yes, SSL certificates have an expiration date and need to be renewed before they expire to ensure secure communication between a website and its users.
How often do I need to renew my SSL certificate?
The frequency of SSL certificate renewal will depend on the type of certificate and provider. Some may need to be renewed every year, while others can last for several years.
What is an intermediate certificate?
An intermediate certificate is a type of SSL certificate that links the root certificate authority to the website's SSL certificate, creating a chain of trust.
Why do I need an intermediate certificate?
You need an intermediate certificate to establish trust with browsers and devices that may not trust the root certificate authority directly.
What is an SSL/TLS protocol version?
SSL/TLS protocol version refers to the version of the security protocol used to encrypt information between a server and a client. The most current version is TLS 1.3.
How do I check the SSL protocol version?
You can use online tools or internet browser settings to check the SSL/TLS protocol version used by a website.
Can I change the SSL/TLS protocol version?
Yes, you may be able to change the SSL/TLS protocol version through your web hosting provider or server settings. However, it is recommended to use the latest version for security purposes.
What is the SSL certificate chain?
The SSL certificate chain refers to the hierarchy of SSL certificates that link the root certification authority to the website's SSL certificate.
Why does a website have multiple SSL certificates in its chain?
Multiple SSL certificates in a website's chain may be used for security and accountability purposes, especially for larger websites with multiple subdomains.
How do I force a website to use SSL?
You can use a plugin or code to redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS, or you can contact your web host to enable HTTPS for your website.
What is a wildcard SSL certificate?
A wildcard SSL certificate covers multiple subdomains with a single certificate. For example, a wildcard certificate for *.example.com would cover www.example.com, blog.example.com, etc.
Why am I getting a "SSL certificate mismatch" error?
A certificate mismatch error means that the domain on the certificate does not match the domain of the website you are trying to access. This could be due to a misconfiguration or an attempt to intercept traffic.
How do I report a security issue with an SSL certificate?
If you discover a security issue with an SSL certificate, you can report it to the website owner or the certificate authority that issued the certificate. Some browsers also have a feature to report security issues.
Where can I learn more about SSL certificates?
You can learn more about SSL certificates and how they work from reputable sources such as the SSL.com blog, the Let's Encrypt website, or your web hosting provider's documentation.