About SSL Certificates & Web Security
An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection. Modern web standards require HTTPS for all sites to protect user data and improve search engine rankings.
Monitoring Expiration
Certificates have a finite lifespan, typically 90 days to 1 year. An expired certificate triggers browser warnings that block users from accessing your site. Regular checks with an SSL checker help ensure your automated renewal processes (like Let's Encrypt) are functioning correctly.
Trust & Identity
The Certificate Authority (CA) issues the certificate after verifying the domain ownership. Identifying the issuer and the common name (CN) ensures that you are connecting to the legitimate server and not a malicious interceptor.