As a rule, data is simply transmitted unencrypted on the Internet. This can be a problem for both consumers and businesses in a great many situations, as sensitive and personal data should not fall into the hands of unknown third parties. So-called SSL certificates are used to secure the exchange of such sensitive data. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) ensures that data exchange between server and client is encrypted and that third parties cannot easily read the transmitted data. At the same time, SSL takes over the authentication of the server. Since an SSL certificate is always assigned to a very specific domain, the browser can check the source of the transmitted data for authenticity or trustworthiness. SSL therefore offers secure data transmission for the website operator and the Internet user. Any activity in the encryption comes from the server or the website operator. The browser or the corresponding program decrypts the data for the Internet user. SSL-secured pages can also be recognized quickly by the user. On the one hand, many common browsers mark SSL encryption with a lock symbol. On the other hand, the https transport protocol is used in the address line instead of the usual http protocol. Incidentally, by clicking on the encryption symbol in most browsers, detailed information on the certificate used can be displayed. Since there are various types of SSL certificates and different encryption strengths, website operators should carefully consider their own needs and those of their users.

Put simply, SSL can be viewed as a virtual handshake or getting to know each other between server and client. Browsers and servers check that they have the same versions of SSL and that they are valid. They then agree on a common key to encode the data. It all works automatically and within seconds. Since the needs and demands for encryption have changed and developed over time, there are now differences in the way SSL certificates work. Of course, all SSL certificates offer the basic properties of ensuring data protection and encrypting the exchange of information. The level of encryption is an important differentiating factor. In short, encryption is the mathematical process that takes place when coding and decoding information. How strong the encryption is can be seen from the number of bits. 128 or 256-bit encryption is used most frequently. The higher the number of bits, the more possible combinations in the key and the more security. In addition, SSL certificates can be differentiated according to: browser compatibility, type of certificate (whether a single domain, main and subdomains or multiple domains are covered) and the validation process of the domain or identity.

SSL certificates are now relevant not only for user security, but also for search engine optimization. The search engine giant Google openly communicated this in August 2014. The search engine provider wants to ensure that not only the in-house services are safer, but the Internet in general. To this end, the company announced that it had decided to include websites with secure encryption in its algorithms and rank them better. While the company also acknowledges that other factors are still more important, website security could be even more important when it comes to search engine rankings in the future. If you buy an SSL certificate, this is not only a search engine optimization measure, but also shows your customers and prospects that you specifically secure the exchange of personal and other sensitive data. This ensures more trust, for example with customers who want to order in your online shop. In this way, the SSL certificate has a beneficial effect on security and your image among Internet users.

At AlrawiHost you can order your SSL certificate. As a basic variant, we offer you a domain-validated SSL certificate with an encryption strength of up to 256-bit - optionally also as a wildcard variant, with which you can secure unlimited subdomains. Domain-validated SSL certificates are issued in minutes and require no administrative effort for you. We also offer business customers an organization-validated SSL certificate. In contrast to the domain-validated SSL certificate, it is not only verified whether the client is also the owner of the domain to be certified, but the website operator must also provide proof of identity - for example using an entry in the commercial register or bank data comparison. The certification body determines the type of proof required. Depending on the package selected, the certificate is either already included free of charge, or you can expand your hosting package with just a few clicks in the My AlrawiHost customer area to include the SSL certificate as an additional service. To do this, simply log in to the My AlrawiHost customer area, select the relevant product, i.e. your domain, and click on "Extend package" in the "My data" category. Now you will get an overview of available extensions where you select the AlrawiHost SSL certificate. You will then be redirected to the customer shop, where you can click on "continue" for the article. In your shopping cart, you only have to click on "order" and carry out all further ordering steps until you have completed them with the "buy" button. You have already ordered the certificate and it will be created for you.You will then be informed via e-mail about all further activation steps. Once your SSL certificate has been activated, integrate it into your website and use the SSL seal to signal to your visitors that you have taken appropriate security precautions. If you need detailed assistance with this, you will find all the necessary information in the AlrawiHost Help Center.

Would you like to create a free SSL certificate for an existing project? Then we don't currently have the right offer for you in our portfolio. Setting up an https certificate is currently subject to a fee for both existing and new customers. However, if you want to start a new web project, we will give you a free SSL certificate as an in-feature in your selected product when you take out a paid web hosting, WordPress or cloud server package.