Lesson

What is an SSL certificate and the padlock

Lesson 9 of 12, 5 min

About this lesson

Summary

The little padlock in the browser. What it means and why every website needs it.

Follow along

Steps

  1. The padlock means the connection between your visitor and your website is private.
  2. Browsers warn visitors about websites that do not have one.
  3. Most good hosts give you an SSL certificate for free.
  4. Check that your own website shows the padlock and uses https at the start of the address.
In writing

In a few words

An SSL certificate keeps the connection between your visitor and your website private. When it is working, you see a small padlock in the browser and the address starts with https. Without it, browsers warn people that your website is not secure, and many will leave. The good news is that most hosts give you one for free, so you only need to check it is switched on.

Words explained

SSL certificate: a digital badge that proves your website is genuine and keeps the connection private.

Https: the secure way of writing a website address. The “s” stands for secure.

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