An SSL certificate encrypts data exchanged between a browser and a website, keeping it secure. The browser and server verify identities using public and private keys. Once verified, they create a secure session, allowing safe and efficient communication between both ends.

In the early days of the internet, websites shared information in plain text. That meant anyone could read it. This was risky, especially for sensitive data like passwords, credit card details, and personal information.

To fix this problem, a security protocol called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) was created. It helped encrypt data to keep it safe during transfer.

Let’s find out how SSL certificates work and why they are important for your .com.au website:

What Is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and ensures an encrypted connection between it and the browser. These are essential to protect the identity of the connections and ensure privacy in online interactions.

With an SSL certificate, no one can read or alter the information other than the sender and the recipient.

Pro Tip: When a website address starts with https and shows a padlock icon in the browser bar, that means it’s using an SSL certificate.
Also Read: Understanding The Key Differences Between HTTP And HTTPS For Your Website Security

 

Who Issues SSL Certificates?

SSL certificates are provided by organisations called Certificate Authorities (CAs). These are trusted third parties that verify the identity of websites.

Before they give out a certificate, they check things like:

  • Who owns the domain
  • Where the business is located
  • Whether the website meets the required security standards

Once everything checks out, the CA signs the certificate with its own private key.

What’s Inside an SSL Certificate?

Each certificate contains key information like:

  • The domain name it’s issued for
  • The name of the company that owns the site.
  • The name of the issuing CA.
  • The CA’s digital signature.
  • Associated subdomains with your domain
  • The issue and expiry dates.
  • The public key

How Does SSL Encryption Work?

An SSL certificate protects data by using encryption algorithms to scramble information as it transfers between a user’s browser and a website. This makes the data unreadable to anyone who tries to intercept it.

Here’s how it works:

  • The browser (client) connects to the website (server).
  • The browser asks the server to identify itself.
  • The server sends its SSL certificate.
  • The browser checks if the certificate is valid and trustworthy.
  • If verified, the data flows between the server and the browser.

Why .com.au Websites Need an SSL Certificate

If you have a website with a .com.au domain, an SSL certificate helps you maintain security. Here’s why you need an SSL certificate:

Protect Your Visitors

SSL certificates keep user data safe. Whether someone is signing up for a newsletter or making a payment, their information stays private.

This is especially important for Australian businesses that deal with customer information, such as:

  • Online stores
  • Booking platforms
  • Healthcare services
  • Educational sites

SSL helps protect you from attacks like:

  • Spoofing (fake copies of your site)
  • Phishing (stealing personal info)
  • Data leaks

Rank Higher on Google

Back in 2014, Google announced that HTTPS is a ranking factor. That means secure websites with SSL certificates rank higher than non-secure ones.

75% of people never scroll past the first page of Google.

If your website isn’t secure, it’s less likely to appear at the top.

The search engines aim to protect their users. If your site isn’t secure, you might lose visibility, even if your content is good.

Improve Trust and User Experience

Have you ever visited a site and seen a “Not Secure” warning at the top?

That’s Google Chrome telling users the website is not secure. Seeing a warning like that can scare people off. It affects your brand’s trust. It increases bounce rate, which can hurt your SEO further.

With an SSL certificate, visitors are assured that your site is trustworthy and secure.

Also Read: Website Security Checklist: Protect Your Site from Cyber Threats

What If Your SSL Certificate Is Compromised?

Finding that your SSL certificate is compromised means you have to be proactive and take all the necessary steps to protect the data.

Here’s what to do:

  • Act fast: Revoke the certificate with your CA immediately.
  • Take the site offline: If you think there’s an active attack, take your website down temporarily.
  • Investigate: Look into server logs and check for any suspicious activity or malware.
  • Request a new certificate: Don’t reuse the same key. Get a fresh one from your CA.
  • Upgrade your security: Use stronger certificate types, and set up automatic monitoring tools.

Conclusion

If you’re running a .com.au website, don’t overlook SSL certificates. They protect your users, build trust, and improve SEO.

Whether you’re a startup, a local business, or an established brand in Australia, installing an SSL certificate helps you win user trust.

So go ahead, check your website. If it’s not secure yet, now’s the time to fix that.

Crazy Domains helps you secure your website and issue an SSL certificate with the highest security against hackers. 

Check out now.