Data protection and user trust
What is an SSL certificate?
Learn how SSL/TLS encryption protects your site, user data and helps your SEO. A guide through DV, OV and EV certificate types.
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL/TLS certificate is a digital certificate that establishes a secure, encrypted HTTPS connection between a site and the visitor's browser. When you have SSL, the site URL starts with https:// (not http://), a padlock icon appears in the browser, and all data (forms, passwords, cards) is encrypted. There are 3 validation levels: DV (domain only — free Let's Encrypt), OV (organization) and EV (highest — green bar). BeoHosting includes a free Let's Encrypt SSL with AutoSSL renewal in every hosting plan. Since 2014 Google has used HTTPS as a ranking factor — a site without SSL is penalized in SEO.
- SSL = HTTPS — encrypted communication with the site
- 3 types: DV (free), OV, EV (green bar)
- Let's Encrypt free, included in all BeoHosting plans
- AutoSSL = automatic renewal, no manual work
- Google ranking factor — essential for SEO
How does SSL/TLS encryption protect your site?
An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital certificate that establishes an encrypted connection between the web server and the visitor's browser. This encryption ensures that all data exchanged between the user and your site stays private and protected from unauthorized access.
When a site has an SSL certificate, the URL starts with HTTPS (instead of HTTP) and a padlock icon appears in the browser. This signals to visitors that the connection is secure and that they can safely enter personal data, passwords and payment information.
The process works like this: when a visitor accesses your site, the browser and server perform the so-called SSL handshake - an exchange of cryptographic keys that takes milliseconds. After that, all communication is encrypted with the AES-256 algorithm, which means that even if someone intercepts the data, they cannot read it without the decryption key.
How the SSL handshake works
Request
The browser sends a request for a secure connection
Certificate
The server sends the SSL certificate with its public key
Verification
The browser verifies the authenticity of the certificate
Encryption
An encrypted connection is established
SSL certificate types: DV vs OV vs EV
There are three main types of SSL certificate, and they differ in the level of verification and trust they provide.
DV - Domain Validation
Confirms ownership of the domain only. The fastest to issue (minutes) and the most affordable. Ideal for blogs, personal sites and smaller projects.
- Data encryption
- Padlock icon in the browser
- Issued in a few minutes
- Lowest price
Ideal for: Blogs, personal sites, portfolios
OV - Organization Validation
In addition to the domain, it verifies the company/organization. It shows the company name in the certificate details. Provides a higher level of trust for users.
- Everything in DV + company verification
- Company name in the certificate
- Higher level of trust
- Financial warranty
Ideal for: Business sites, e-commerce
EV - Extended Validation
The most thorough company verification - physical, legal and operational checks. Provides the maximum level of trust for site visitors.
- Everything in OV + extended verification
- Company name in the address bar
- Maximum level of trust
- Highest financial warranty
Ideal for: Banks, finance, large e-commerce
Why does Google require HTTPS for all sites?
Back in 2014, Google confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor in search results. This means sites with an SSL certificate have an advantage over sites without one, all else being equal.
Since 2018, Google Chrome marks all sites without SSL as "Not Secure" in the address bar. This warning directly deters visitors - studies show that 85% of users will not continue with a purchase on a site flagged as insecure.
HTTPS is also a prerequisite for modern web technologies such as the HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 protocols that significantly speed up site loading. Without SSL, your site cannot use these protocols and is automatically slower than the competition.
Better SEO ranking
HTTPS is a confirmed Google ranking factor
User trust
The green padlock signals security
Faster site
HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 require HTTPS
Data protection
AES-256 encryption of all data
Wildcard and Multi-Domain SSL certificates
In addition to standard SSL certificates that cover a single domain, there are also specialized options for different needs:
Wildcard SSL
Covers the main domain and all subdomains (*.yoursite.com). One certificate for blog.yoursite.com, shop.yoursite.com, mail.yoursite.com, etc. Ideal for sites with multiple subdomains.
Multi-Domain (SAN) SSL
Covers several different domains with a single certificate. Ideal for companies with multiple brands or sites that want centralized SSL management.
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Frequently asked questions about SSL certificates
Answers to the most common questions about our services.
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(+381) 60 3535 720What is an SSL certificate and what is it for?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that encrypts communication between the web browser and the server. It protects sensitive user data (passwords, card numbers, personal information) from interception during transfer. SSL enables the HTTPS protocol — that green padlock icon in the browser.
Do I really need an SSL certificate?
Yes, an SSL certificate is essential for every site today. Google Chrome marks sites without SSL as "Not Secure", which puts visitors off. Google also uses HTTPS as a ranking factor, so without SSL you lose positions in search engines. For e-commerce sites, SSL is legally required to process payments.
What is the difference between SSL and TLS?
TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the successor to the SSL protocol and the technically more accurate name for modern encryption. SSL 3.0 is the last version of the original protocol, while TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are used today. However, the term "SSL" is still widely used in everyday speech for both protocols.
Does free SSL (Let's Encrypt) offer the same protection?
Yes, free Let's Encrypt SSL provides the same level of encryption as commercial DV certificates. The difference is in the warranty (commercial certificates offer a financial warranty), the trust logo and organization validation. For most sites, free SSL is more than enough.
How long does it take to issue an SSL certificate?
DV (Domain Validation) certificates are issued within a few minutes because they only require proof of domain ownership. OV (Organization Validation) certificates require 1-3 business days for company verification. EV (Extended Validation) certificates require 3-7 business days for complete extended verification.
Does SSL affect site speed?
The modern TLS 1.3 protocol actually improves site performance because it uses a faster handshake process. HTTP/2 and HTTP/3, which require HTTPS, enable multiplexing and header compression that speed up loading. Any slowdown from encryption is negligible - less than 1ms per request.
How do I install an SSL certificate on my site?
At BeoHosting, free Let's Encrypt SSL is automatically activated for all domains on our servers - you do not have to do anything manually. For commercial SSL certificates, you can order them through our panel, and our team will install and configure them on your site for free.
Is a free SSL certificate (Let’s Encrypt) enough?
For most websites, yes. A free Let’s Encrypt certificate encrypts traffic just like a paid one, and at BeoHosting it is installed and renewed automatically on every hosting plan. A paid certificate makes sense when you need company validation or a wildcard for all subdomains: GeoTrust QuickSSL Premium costs €72.05 and the Wildcard version €278.88 per year.
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