In the early days of the internet, security was an afterthought. Today, it is the foundation. If you run a website in 2025 without an SSL certificate, browsers will block you, Google will hide you, and customers will flee. Here is your complete roadmap to fixing it.
1. What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its modern successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are standard protocols used to establish an authenticated and encrypted link between a networked computer and a server.
In plain English: It turns the data traveling between your website and your visitor from "Public Text" into "Secret Code."
HTTP (No SSL)
Imagine sending your credit card number written on a transparent postcard through the mail. Every postal worker can see it.
HTTPS (With SSL)
Imagine putting that credit card number inside an armored steel briefcase. Only the recipient has the key to open it.
2. How Does SSL Work? (The "Handshake")
You might hear the term "SSL Handshake." This happens in milliseconds when a visitor opens your site. It involves Asymmetric Encryption using two keys:
- The Public Key: Everyone can see this. It is used to encrypt (lock) the data.
- The Private Key: Only the server has this. It is used to decrypt (unlock) the data.
- Browser: "Hello Server, I want to talk securely. Show me your ID (Certificate)."
- Server: "Here is my SSL Certificate and my Public Key."
- Browser: "Certificate looks valid. I will create a secret session key, lock it with your Public Key, and send it back."
- Server: "Received. I am unlocking it with my Private Key. Now we can talk safely."
Is Encryption Slowing You Down?
The "SSL Handshake" requires CPU power. On cheap shared hosting, this causes lag. Hostinger's LiteSpeed Servers process SSL handshakes efficiently using LiteSpeed.
3. Why Google Made SSL Mandatory
In 2014, Google announced "HTTPS as a Ranking Signal." Then, in 2018, Chrome started marking all non-HTTPS sites as "Not Secure."
It is not just about rankings; it is about Conversion Rate. If a user sees a red warning triangle next to your URL, they will not buy from you.
What does an SSL Certificate contain?
It acts like a digital passport. It contains:
- The domain name (e.g., hostpick.com)
- The company name (for business certificates)
- The expiration date
- The Certificate Authority (CA) signature
4. The 3 Types of SSL Certificates
Not all certificates are the same. They offer different levels of "Vetting" (Identity Checks).
| Type | Validation Level | Green Bar? | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| DV (Domain Validation) | Low | No | Blogs, Portfolios, Small Sites |
| OV (Organization Val.) | Medium | No | Small Businesses, Startups |
| EV (Extended Val.) | Strict | Yes (Company Name) | Banks, Large E-commerce |
5. Free SSL vs. Paid SSL: Do You Need to Pay?
This is the most common question we get. In the past, you had to pay $50-$100/year to Comodo or Symantec.
However, with the rise of Let's Encrypt, a non-profit authority, SSL became free for everyone.
Stop Paying for SSL!
Why pay GoDaddy $80/year for something that should be free? Hostinger automatically installs a Free Let's Encrypt SSL on every domain you register.
When should you pay for SSL?
For 99% of users, Free SSL is enough. You should only pay if:
- You need an EV Certificate to show your company name in the browser bar.
- You need a higher Warranty (insurance in case the encryption is broken).
- You need a "Wildcard" certificate for multiple subdomains (e.g., shop.site.com, mail.site.com).
6. Troubleshooting: "Mixed Content" Errors
You installed SSL, but the padlock is still missing or yellow? This is usually caused by Mixed Content.
This happens when your main page connects via HTTPS, but an image or script on the page is loading via HTTP.
How to fix it in WordPress:
- Go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for "Really Simple SSL".
- Install and Activate.
- It will automatically scan your database and change all `http://` links to `https://`.
Conclusion
SSL is the first step in building a professional online presence. It builds trust, secures data, and helps you rank on Google. Don't overcomplicate it—choose a modern host that handles it for you.