I’ve received numerous emails on what is a HTTPS Certificate? The reason everyone is asking is because Facebook as of October 1st is going to require all app developers to purchase one if they want to continue making Facebook apps.
In this tutorial, I’ll explain what a HTTPS Certificate, or a SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Certificate is. I’ll also walk you step by step through the process of getting one.
I use Go Daddy for hosting, so my installation will be based on that fact. Most hosting companies will be very similar though.
What is a HTTPS Certificate
This certificate is more commonly known as a SSL Certificate, but anyone will know what you mean if you use either term.
The issuer of a SSL Certificate is approving the validity of the website it issued the certificate for. That same authority is stating by issuing the certificate that the website is safe for carrying out business transactions.
Put simply, I trusted issuer of certificates states by giving your site a certificate that you are who you say you are and it is safe to do business with you.
What Types of HTTPS Certificates are there
There are both dedicated and shared certificates. A dedicated certificate is only good for one domain name, while a shared one covers numerous sites. I personally would never get a shared certificate to save a few dollars, but I leave that to you.
How Does SSL Work
When a web browser connects to a secured website these steps occur:
Now the screen below opens. Click on the link Manage Certificate.
Now click on Request Certificate on the page below.
Select your hosting plan which will almost definitely be the first option. Pick the domain name you want to associate with the certificate. Leave everything else as is and click Next.
Again click on Next below.
Now click on finished.
You’ll receive an email like the one below very soon.
This is what it looks like if you would go to a site without a certificate, but proceeded with https instead of the normal http.
This is what happens if a site is certified.
Go Daddy will handle setting everything up for you and that is one of the reasons I like dealing with them. I think that should handle any questions you may have. If not leave a comment below.
Till Next Time
Leave a Reply