SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate is what puts the padlock and 'https' in your web address. It encrypts the connection between your site and your visitors, and it's why browsers do (or don't) label your site as secure.
Also known as: SSL · HTTPS · not secure warning
In plain English
An SSL certificate scrambles the information traveling between your website and the people visiting it, so it can't be read if it's intercepted. When your site has a valid one, the address starts with "https" and the browser shows a little padlock. When it doesn't, browsers warn visitors that the site is "Not Secure."
Why it matters for your business
Two reasons. First, trust: a "Not Secure" label in the address bar makes people hesitate to enter a contact form, let alone a credit card. Second, Google prefers secure sites and can rank them ahead of insecure ones. An expired or missing certificate quietly costs you both customers and search visibility.
When you'll run into it
Setting up a new site, moving hosts, or the morning your certificate silently expires and visitors start seeing warnings. Certificates renew on a schedule — the job is making sure that renewal actually happens before it lapses.
Common questions
- Why does my site say 'Not Secure'?
- That warning means your site is missing a valid SSL certificate, or one expired. Browsers show it to visitors, which scares people off. Installing or renewing the certificate clears the warning, usually quickly.
- Do I have to pay for an SSL certificate?
- Often not — many hosts include a free SSL certificate and renew it automatically. The cost isn't the issue these days; making sure it's installed and doesn't lapse is.
Related terms
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