Free SSL Certificate Checker & Validator

Instantly verify your website's SSL/TLS certificate status, expiration date, encryption strength and security configuration. Protect your visitors' data with proper HTTPS implementation.

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SSL Certificate Details

SSL Certificate Details

Understanding SSL Certificates and Website Security

Our free SSL Checker Tool provides a comprehensive security audit of your website's SSL/TLS certificate. Get detailed technical insights including cryptographic algorithms, chain of trust validation, and key certificate attributes that are essential for maintaining a secure web presence.

Key details you can verify include:

  • SHA256 Algorithm Usage: Confirm if your SSL Certificate utilizes the strong SHA256 hashing algorithm for enhanced security.
  • Origin Issuer: Identify the Certificate Authority (CA) that issued your certificate.
  • Company Holding the Certificate: Discover the organization or individual to whom the certificate is registered.
  • Server Certificate Location: Pinpoint the geographical location associated with the server certificate.
  • Subdomain Validity: Check how many subdomains are covered and valid under your current certificate.
  • SSL Signature Algorithm: Understand the cryptographic algorithm used to sign your certificate.
  • Validity End Date: Determine the expiration date of your SSL Certificate, crucial for timely renewals.
  • CRL Distribution Points & Authority Info Access: Get details on how certificate revocation lists are distributed and how authority information can be accessed.
  • Type of Web Authentication: Learn about the authentication method employed by your certificate.
  • Signature Type LN & SN: Examine the long and short names of the signature type.

When reviewing the report, pay close attention to:

  • Validity Period: The certificate must be valid for the current date. An expired or future-dated certificate is not secure.
  • Issuing CA: Ensure the CA is a reputable and trusted entity like DigiCert, Comodo, or Symantec.
  • Encryption Strength: A strong encryption algorithm, such as AES-256, is vital for data protection.
  • Errors or Warnings: Any errors or warnings in the report indicate potential security vulnerabilities that need immediate attention.

By carefully reviewing these details, you can ascertain the validity and security posture of your website's SSL certificate.

One straightforward way to verify the validity of an SSL certificate for any website is by clicking on the "Lock Icon" located in the browser's address bar, typically to the left of the URL.

This action will typically open a pop-up or a dedicated panel displaying various details about the certificate, including:

  • Validity Period: When the certificate is effective and when it expires.
  • Fingerprints: Unique cryptographic hashes of the certificate.
  • Issued By: The Certificate Authority (CA) that issued the certificate.
  • Issued To: The domain name for which the certificate was issued.
  • And many more technical details.

A green lock icon and "HTTPS" in the URL indicate a secure connection, meaning the website uses an SSL certificate to encrypt data exchanged between your browser and the server. If you see a broken lock, a red line through HTTPS, or a "Not Secure" warning, it means the connection is not encrypted, and your data might be at risk.

Secure data encryption illustration

1. Data Encryption and Security

At its core, an SSL certificate encrypts the data exchanged between a user's browser and your website's server. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal data, remains confidential and protected from eavesdropping by malicious actors. Without SSL, this data is transmitted in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception.

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2. Building User Trust and Credibility

The visible "HTTPS" in the URL and the padlock icon in the browser address bar are universally recognized symbols of a secure website. These indicators immediately signal to visitors that their connection is protected, fostering trust and confidence. In an era of increasing cyber threats, users are more likely to engage with and make purchases from websites they perceive as secure. This directly translates to lower bounce rates and higher conversion rates.

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3. SEO Benefits and Google Ranking

Google officially announced in 2014 that HTTPS is a ranking signal. This means that websites secured with an SSL certificate receive a slight ranking boost in search engine results pages (SERPs). While it might not be the strongest ranking factor, it's a crucial one, especially when combined with other SEO best practices. Google's continuous push for a more secure web makes SSL a non-negotiable element for good SEO.

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4. Avoiding "Not Secure" Warnings

Modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari actively warn users when they visit a website that is not secured with HTTPS. These prominent "Not Secure" warnings can deter visitors, damage your brand's reputation, and lead to a significant drop in traffic and conversions. Implementing SSL eliminates these warnings, providing a seamless and reassuring user experience.

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5. PCI DSS Compliance

For any website that processes online payments, compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is mandatory. A key requirement of PCI DSS is the encryption of sensitive cardholder data, which is achieved through SSL/TLS. Without an SSL certificate, your website cannot meet these crucial security standards, potentially leading to penalties and loss of payment processing capabilities.

In conclusion, an SSL certificate is no longer an optional add-on but a fundamental component of any successful and secure website. It protects sensitive data, builds user trust, enhances SEO, prevents alarming browser warnings, and ensures compliance with industry standards. Investing in SSL is an investment in your website's future and your users' peace of mind.