Every website owner must ensure their site is secure and protected from unauthorized access. SSL and TLS serve as robust security measures for your online presence, acting like strong locks for your digital property.
If you’re creating a website or an online store, implementing one of these security protocols is essential to safeguard your visitors and their sensitive information, especially for processing online payments securely. So, what distinguishes SSL from TLS? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you in an easy-to-understand manner.
At CanadaCreate, we prioritize the security of all our websites. In this comprehensive guide, we will clarify the differences between SSL and TLS and help you determine which protocol is most suitable for your WordPress site.
What Are SSL/TLS Certificates and How Do They Function?
SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, and TLS, or Transport Layer Security, are both internet security protocols that you can implement on your website through a certificate.
SSL/TLS certificates act as a security measure for your WordPress site. When a user accesses your website, the security certificate encrypts the data before it reaches the user’s browser. Likewise, it enables the user’s browser to encrypt data before sending it back to your WordPress site.
Every website on the internet must have a security certificate. This certificate enables you to securely process online payments, safeguard passwords, and protect personal information during online transactions.
Security certificates, such as SSL and TLS, utilize security keys. When data is transmitted from your website to a user’s browser, it is encrypted for protection. The user’s browser requires a security key to decrypt and access this data.
Likewise, when users send information back to your site, they encrypt it using the same security key. Your WordPress website then employs its private key to decrypt the incoming data.
After installing a security certificate on your website, the beginning of your site’s address (URL) will change from http:// to https://.
This indicates that you are now using the HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) protocol for secure information transfer over the internet.
You will need to update the URL in your WordPress settings and configure redirects to ensure visitors are directed to the correct URL when accessing an old link. For detailed instructions, refer to our guide on transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS.
What Is the Difference Between SSL and TLS Certificates?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) was the first technology developed for security certificates utilized by websites, with its introduction dating back to 1995.
Unfortunately, the original SSL protocol had security vulnerabilities that made it susceptible to hacking, allowing attackers to intercept and alter data during transmission between the website and the user’s browser.
Over time, multiple enhancements were implemented to SSL to bolster its security. Here’s a brief timeline highlighting the changes as security flaws were identified:
- SSL 1.0 (unpublished) was never released to the public due to significant security concerns.
- SSL 2.0 (1995) was phased out in 2011 because of security vulnerabilities.
- SSL 3.0 (1996) was deprecated in 2015 due to security issues.
- TLS 1.0 (1999) was deprecated in 2021 due to security vulnerabilities.
- TLS 1.1 (2006) was also deprecated in 2021 due to security concerns.
- TLS 1.2 (2008) remains in active use today.
- TLS 1.3 (2018) is currently in use as well.
While the SSL protocol is no longer utilized, the term ‘SSL certificate’ has persisted and is often used interchangeably with TLS certificates.
In summary, TLS represents the advanced version of SSL certificates, and the majority of websites on the internet now employ TLS certificates, although they are still frequently referred to as SSL certificates.
How to Obtain an SSL Certificate for Your WordPress Site
There are several methods to acquire an SSL certificate for your WordPress site, with prices typically ranging from $50 to $200 per year. However, you may also find options available at no cost.
The ideal choice is to select a WordPress hosting provider that offers a complimentary SSL certificate as part of your hosting package. This allows you to easily activate your security certificate directly from your hosting dashboard.
Here are some top recommendations for WordPress hosting providers that include free SSL certificates:
- Bluehost
- SiteGround
- Hostinger
- DreamHost
- HostGator
- WP Engine
- GreenGeeks
If your hosting provider does not offer a free SSL certificate, you can obtain one at no cost through Let’s Encrypt.
If you prefer to purchase an SSL certificate, we suggest using Namecheap. They are a well-known domain registration service globally and provide competitive pricing on SSL certificates.
They offer straightforward SSL certificate plans starting at $11 per year, which include a $10,000 security warranty and a free site seal.
Once you have acquired your SSL certificate, you can either request your hosting provider to install it for you or follow our guide on how to successfully transition your WordPress site from HTTP to HTTPS.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSL and TLS
At CanadaCreate, we frequently receive inquiries from our readers regarding SSL and TLS certificates. Here are the answers to the most common questions about these essential security protocols.
What are the differences between TLS and SSL?
TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) are encryption protocols designed to secure online communications.
Although both serve the same function, TLS is the more recent and secure successor to SSL.
Since most modern browsers have discontinued support for SSL, it is advisable to use TLS to ensure your website remains accessible to all users.
What is the most recent version of TLS?
The most recent version of TLS is TLS 1.3, released in 2018, and it is currently the most secure version available. However, TLS 1.2 is still widely used.
Both TLS 1.2 and 1.3 are compatible with most modern browsers and devices.
Older versions should be avoided due to known security vulnerabilities.
How can I check which version of SSL or TLS my website is using?
The simplest way to determine which SSL or TLS protocol your website is utilizing is by using an online tool such as the Qualys SSL Labs SSL Server Test.
Just enter your website’s domain name and click the ‘Submit’ button. The tool will display the supported versions and check for common SSL-related issues.
What should I do if my website is still using SSL?
If your website is still operating on SSL, it is essential to upgrade to TLS. Additionally, you should upgrade if you are using the outdated and less secure TLS versions 1.0 or 1.1.
Upgrading to TLS 1.2 and/or 1.3 will enhance your website’s security and improve accessibility. This process is relatively straightforward and can typically be handled by your web hosting provider.
Comprehensive Guides on SSL Certificates for WordPress
Now that you have a better understanding of TLS and SSL, you may want to explore additional articles related to SSL certificates in WordPress.
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning WordPress from HTTP to HTTPS
- Understanding HTTP/2 and How to Enable It in WordPress
- How to Obtain a Free SSL Certificate for Your WordPress Website
- Adding Free SSL to WordPress Using Let’s Encrypt
- How to Resolve Common SSL Issues in WordPress
- Step-by-Step Guide to Resolving Mixed Content Errors in WordPress
- How to Resolve the ‘Your Connection is Not Private’ Error: A Guide for Site Owners
- How to Fix Secure Connection Errors in WordPress
We hope this guide has clarified the differences between TLS and SSL certificates. You may also want to explore our comprehensive WordPress security guide or check out our expert recommendations for the top WordPress security plugins to enhance your website’s protection.
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