SSL Certificates : The Key to Web Security and User Trust

May 26, 2025

In the digital age, protecting data isn’t optional—it’s essential. As threats like cyberattacks, phishing schemes, and identity theft continue to rise, users demand secure experiences from websites and applications. This is where SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates play a critical role. SSL helps keep the data exchanged between users and your site or app encrypted and confidential. In this article, we’ll dive into SSL certificates’ importance, how to set them up, and how to steer clear of common mistakes.

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate is a digital credential that verifies a website’s authenticity and establishes a secure, encrypted connection to protect data exchanged between the user and the server. It transforms HTTP (unsafe) into HTTPS (safe). When installed on a web server, it ensures that all data passed between the browser and the server is encrypted using cryptographic algorithms.

SSL certificates work using a system of public and private keys.  The private key decrypts the data but can only be read if encrypted using the matching public key. This ensures that even if data is intercepted, unauthorized parties can’t read it.

Visible signs of SSL include:

• A Privacy shield symbol in the browser address bar
• URLs with https:// instead of http://

Advantages of Using SSL Certificates

Secure Data Transmission

SSL technology protects private information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details, by converting it into a secure format during transfer across the web.

Server Identity Verification

It confirms that users are connecting to the correct server, reducing the risk of scams like phishing or man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.

Builds Trust with Visitors

Websites with a lock icon and a “Secure” message in the browser are more likely to gain user trust and encourage interaction.

Improves Search Rankings

Search engines like Google factor HTTPS into their ranking algorithms, so sites with SSL may see a boost in visibility.

Regulatory Compliance

Implementing SSL is a key requirement for meeting data protection standards such as GDPR, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA.

Different Categories of SSL Certificates

Domain Validation (DV)

This entry-level certificate verifies that the applicant controls the domain name. It’s best suited for personal websites, blogs, or basic informational pages.

Organisation Validation (OV)

It offers a higher level of verification by confirming both the domain and the legitimacy of the organization behind it. It is a good choice for small—to mid-sized businesses.

Extended Validation (EV)

Provides the highest degree of validation. The organization’s name is even shown in the address bar in some older browsers. Commonly used by financial institutions, major e-commerce platforms, and large corporations

Wildcard SSL

It covers a primary domain and all of its subdomains—for Example, it secures both example.com and shop.example.com with one certificate.

Multi-Domain SSL (SAN Certificate)

Allows a single certificate to protect several different domain names, making it ideal for businesses managing multiple sites.

How to Install a SSL Certificate

Step-by-step:

1. Obtain an SSL certificate or use a free provider like Let’s Encrypt.
2. Create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your hosting server to begin installation.
3. Submit the CSR to a Certificate Authority (CA).
4. Install the certificate on your hosting/server (Apache, Nginx, cPanel, etc.).
5. Redirect HTTP to HTTPS and update internal links.
6. Test the installation using tools like SSL Labs or SSL Checker.

SSL in Mobile Applications (Enhanced)

Mobile apps, especially those interacting with web APIs, must use HTTPS to protect data in transit. Without proper SSL configuration, your app may be vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and can even be rejected from app stores.

Android: Using network_security_config.xml

Beginning with Android 9 (API level 28), unencrypted HTTP traffic is disabled by default for improved security. To manage secure connections and customize SSL settings, web developers must create and reference a network_security_config.xml file in their app’s resources.

Example: res/xml/network_security_config.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<network-security-config>
    <domain-config cleartextTrafficPermitted="false">
        <domain includeSubdomains="true">websitedomain.com</domain>
    </domain-config>
</network-security-config>

How to apply it in AndroidManifest.xml:

<application
 android:networkSecurityConfig="@xml/network_security_config"
 android:usesCleartextTraffic= "false"
 ... >
</application>

This setup blocks all unencrypted traffic and ensures all requests to example.com are sent via HTTPS only.

iOS: App Transport Security (ATS) in Info.plist

Apple enforces HTTPS via App Transport Security (ATS). It blocks HTTP connections unless explicitly allowed (not recommended).

Example: Enforcing HTTPS in Info.plist

<key>NSAppTransportSecurity</key>
<dict>
    <key>NSAllowsArbitraryLoads</key>
    <false/>
</dict>

If you need to allow HTTP (not secure) for specific domains (for testing), you can whitelist them:

<key>NSAppTransportSecurity</key>
<dict>
    <key>NSExceptionDomains</key>
    <dict>
        <key>websitedomain.com</key>
        <dict>
            <key>NSExceptionAllowsInsecureHTTPLoads</key>
            <true/>
            <key>NSIncludesSubdomains</key>
            <true/>
        </dict>
    </dict>
</dict>

Use exceptions only during development or for specific cases with legacy systems. Always aim to enforce HTTPS.

Key Considerations:

• All API endpoints should use HTTPS
• Validate server certificates to prevent MITM attacks
• On Android and iOS, enforce secure connections using:
  • Android: Network Security Config
  • iOS: App Transport Security (ATS)

Failing to use HTTPS can result in data leakage and app store rejections.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Deploying Self-Signed Certificates in Live Environments

• While self-signed certificates can enable encryption, they aren’t verified by trusted authorities. As a result, browsers will flag them as insecure, which can undermine user trust and lead to warning messages.

Not Renewing SSL Certificates

• SSL certs expire—set up automatic renewals or reminders to avoid downtime.

Mixed Content Warnings

• Browsers display warnings when a secure page loads insecure elements (like images or scripts via HTTP).
• Fix by updating all resource URLs to HTTPS.

Improper Redirects

• Ensure 301 (permanent) redirects are correctly set up from HTTP to HTTPS.

Tools to Check SSL Health

Several free tools can help you evaluate the security and validity of your SSL certificate:

SSL Labs (by Qualys)

• Performs deep analysis of your SSL configuration
• Grades SSL setup from A+ to F

Why No Padlock

• Detects mixed content issues and insecure elements on HTTPS pages.

SSL Checker

• Verifies certificate installation and expiration

Certbot

• Helps install and automatically renew Let’s Encrypt certificates

Conclusion

Implementing SSL is a straightforward but essential step toward securing your website or app. It protects user data, builds credibility, and can even enhance site performance. Whether you’re managing a personal blog or a full-scale business platform, moving to HTTPS is now a necessity, not just an option.

Secure it. Trust it. Grow it—with SSL.

Ankit Radhanpura

Author

Experienced web developer and team leader with 9+ years in PHP development, specializing in Symfony. Skilled in Vue.js, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Focused on building scalable, maintainable solutions and sharing knowledge through occasional technical blogging.