SSL certificate
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that encrypts communication between the web browser and the server. A website with an SSL certificate shows a padlock in the address bar and the URL starts with https:// instead of http://.
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Why HTTPS is essential
HTTPS protects sensitive data (passwords, payment details, personal information) from eavesdropping. Since 2014 Google has used HTTPS as a ranking factor. Browsers mark websites without HTTPS as “not secure”, which puts visitors off. The GDPR requires appropriate data protection — HTTPS is the foundation.
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Types of SSL certificate
DV (Domain Validation) verifies ownership of the domain — the fastest and cheapest option, sufficient for most websites. OV (Organisation Validation) also verifies the organisation. EV (Extended Validation) offers the highest level of trust. Let's Encrypt provides DV certificates free of charge — Vercel activates them automatically.
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SSL on Vercel
On Vercel SSL is fully automatic — when you connect a domain the certificate is generated and renewed automatically through Let's Encrypt. No configuration, no annual renewals, no extra costs. This is one of the advantages of modern hosting over traditional providers.
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SSL and performance
Modern TLS 1.3 (the successor to SSL) adds minimal latency — the handshake completes in a single round trip. HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 require HTTPS and bring significant speed improvements (multiplexing, header compression, server push). HTTPS therefore not only secures your website but, thanks to HTTP/2+, also makes it faster.
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Practical example
When a customer fills in a contact form on your website, SSL ensures that their name, e-mail and message are encrypted in transit. Nobody can read them, even if they intercept the communication. The browser shows a padlock and the customer feels safe.
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