Every domain owner already knows what an SSL certificate is and how beneficially it impacts the security of a website and its users’ data. The latest versions of the Chrome browser take care of user comfort by displaying a simple message right next to the domain address—“Secure” or “Not Secure.” The latter inevitably leaves a negative impression, even if the website itself runs flawlessly and looks appealing. An SSL certificate is a guarantee of security issued by an independent, external authority. It sends a clear signal to your site’s visitors: this place is safe. But how exactly do SSL certificates work?

In the era of online transfers, social media, and the fading notion of anonymity on the Internet, every user wants to be certain they’re safe. When they encounter a site that appears even slightly risky, they naturally respond with mistrust. If, however, your domain is already secured with an SSL certificate, the visitor can relax and focus entirely on the content you offer. Since the battle for users’ attention online is never-ending, you can’t afford to lose a large number of visitors who dislike risk. They don’t know—without assurance—that your domain is safe, won’t steal their data, or infect their device with viruses. But once you secure your site with an SSL certificate, visitors will remain much longer.

How exactly does this work?

1. When a user visits a domain that already has an SSL certificate, their browser sends a request to the server.
2. The domain address from the browser’s address bar goes through DNS, which translates it into the IP address, a language understandable by the devices forming the computer network.
3. Once that IP address is found, the connection proceeds to the hosting server, from which all the site’s components are sent to the user’s computer screen.
4. At this point, the SSL certificate comes into play, ensuring that all transmitted data is encrypted. This keeps the data secure and protected from any external tampering.
5. In the browser window, the desired padlock icon appears—your guarantee of security. Not every SSL certificate will cause this important symbol to appear for visitors. Self-signed certificates, for instance, also encrypt data but aren’t confirmed by any external authority. As a result, the visitor isn’t entirely sure that your domain provides a fully safe browsing experience. To have the browser classify your site as a safe haven, the certificate must be verified by an external authority.

What ensures safety? Encryption. The encryption algorithms used by SSL certificates are well-known, long-standing solutions. Symmetric encryption employs the same key to both encrypt and decrypt data. Asymmetric encryption relies on two or more keys to secure your information. The most common symmetric keys are 128 or 256 bits in length. The longer the key, the harder it is to crack, thereby guaranteeing greater security.

SSL certificates are a way of demonstrating your good intentions to the user—assuring them that the place they’re visiting is safe. In an era when every click matters, it’s worth securing your domain and data. Every internet user worries about their anonymity, their payment card information, and the security of their computer. An SSL certificate satisfies all these concerns, ensuring a happy user who will appreciate the content your domain provides.