What is an SSL certificate? What is it used for? How to get one?

But what exactly is an SSL certificate, what is it used for, and what are the differences between getting a free SSL and purchasing one? Let’s dive in.

What is SSL? What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts the data exchange between a website and its visitors. SSL uses cryptographic methods to secure the information transmitted between the browser and the server. Even if malicious third parties intercept the data, they cannot read it.

An SSL certificate is the digital identity that activates this encryption technology.
While SSL has technically been replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), the term "SSL certificate" is still widely used.

Benefits of an SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate not only provides security—it also affects your website’s reputation, user trust, and search engine visibility.

🔐Veri Güvenliği: Girilen şifre, kredi kartı bilgisi, e-posta gibi hassas veriler şifrelenir.

✅ User Trust: The padlock icon in the browser reassures visitors that the site is safe.

📈 SEO Advantage: Since 2014, Google has prioritized HTTPS websites in search rankings.

⚠️ Avoid Browser Warnings: Chrome and other modern browsers mark HTTP sites as "Not Secure."

🏢 Authentication: Especially in EV (Extended Validation) certificates, your business name is displayed in the browser bar.

Types of SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are categorized into three main types based on their level of validation:

DV – Domain Validation

⏱️💲The fastest and most affordable type.

🌐✅ Only verifies ownership of the domain.

📝🌱 Suitable for personal blogs and small websites.

OV – Organization Validation

🌐🏢✅ Verifies both domain ownership and the identity of the business.

🏢✅ Recommended for corporate and official websites.

EV – Extended Validation

🛡️🔒 Highest level of security.

🌐🏢 Displays the company name in the browser address bar.

🛒🏢⭐Ideal for e-commerce sites and large brands.

Can You Use HTTPS Without SSL?

No. HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP using SSL/TLS encryption.
Without an SSL certificate, HTTPS simply won’t work.
That’s why any site that wants to use HTTPS must have an SSL certificate.

How to Get an SSL Certificate

Identify your needs

🌐 Blog or personal site → Free DV SSL is sufficient.

🏢 Corporate site → Buy OV SSL.

🛒 E-commerce → EV SSL is recommended.

Choose your SSL provider

✅ Choose the SSL offered by your hosting provider or a trusted independent provider.

Create a CSR (Certificate Signing Request)

✅ This is an encrypted text required for your certificate request.

✅ Usually created through your hosting control panel.

👉 You can quickly generate CSR files using our CSR Generator Tool.

Buy an SSL Certificate

🌐 Domain Validation SSL Certificate (Basic SSL) 👉 Click Here

🔒 Premium SSL Certificate 👉 Click Here

🛡️ Wildcard SSL Certificate 👉 Click Here

📑 Multi-Domain SSL Certificate (UCC/SAN) 👉 Click Here

🏢 Enterprise EV UCC/SAN SSL Certificate 👉 Click Here

⭐ EV SSL Certificate (Extended Validation) 👉 Click Here

🖊️ Code Signing Certificate 👉 Click Here

📧 Email / S/MIME Certficate 👉 Click Here

📄 Document Signing Certificate 👉 Click Here

👤 Client Authentication Certificate 👉 Click Here

Installation and Testing

✅ After installation, test your site address with https://.

✅ If the browser shows a padlock icon, you’re all set.

What Happens If You Don’t Install SSL?

Websites without SSL only operate over HTTP, which leads to the following risks:

🔓❗Data Theft Risk
User passwords, payment info, and personal data are transmitted unencrypted and can be intercepted.

⚠️ Browser Warnings
Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari mark HTTP sites as "Not Secure," which drives visitors away.

📉 Loss in SEO Rankings
Google favors HTTPS sites. Without SSL, your site may fall behind competitors.

🙅‍♂️🛒 Decreased Customer Trust
It’s nearly impossible to run a trusted e-commerce site without SSL. Users will hesitate to make payments.

⚖️❗ Legal Risk
In some regions, failing to protect user data may lead to legal consequences.

Conclusion

An SSL certificate is essential for any modern website.

It plays a vital role in protecting data, building user trust, strengthening brand reputation, and improving SEO.
While free solutions are good for getting started, upgrading to a paid SSL certificate as your business grows is the smartest move for long-term success.

Remember: A secure site = a trustworthy brand.