What is an SSL certificate?

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SSL/TLS certificates secure communications between the web server and the client by applying encryption. This enables the secure HTTPS protocol.

There are two main types of SSL certificates : free and paid. In the following lines, we will see what the main differences are between free and paid SSL certificates, especially in terms of validity.

Table of Contents:

How long does an SSL certificate last?
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL certificates are security protocols that guarantee the encryption of afghanistan telephone numbers communications between a web server and a browser, thus protecting the data transmitted. This system is essential to guarantee the security of communications on the Internet, for example when the user fills out a contact form or makes an online purchase. Think about how damaging and dangerous it could be to leave personal data and bank details exposed.

When a user accesses a website with an SSL certificate, their browser checks the validity of the certificate and establishes a secure connection, displaying the HTTPS protocol and a padlock. This indicates the presence of an SSL certificate, which prevents third parties from intercepting the exchanged data, ensuring the security of online transactions, protection of personal data and user trust in the website.

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How long does an SSL certificate last?
An SSL certificate is not permanent: when it expires, you must renew it or get a new one to keep your communications encrypted.

Over the years, the validity of certificates has undergone some changes: before September 2020, paid SSLs provided coverage for 2 years, while today they are valid for 1 year from their issue .

The situation is different for free Let's Encrypt certificates for which the Certificate Authority has set a maximum validity of 90 days . Given its short duration, the Let's Encrypt certificate renewal procedure is automatic for all Shellrent Web Hosting .