{"id":4897,"date":"2023-10-08T17:42:34","date_gmt":"2023-10-08T16:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/support\/?p=4897"},"modified":"2026-08-14T18:58:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T17:58:24","slug":"beginners-guide-what-is-an-ssl-certificate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/support\/beginners-guide-what-is-an-ssl-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is an SSL Certificate? A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"ukc-organic-guide\">\n  <section class=\"ukc-organic-hero\" aria-labelledby=\"ssl-answer\">\n    <p class=\"ukc-organic-kicker\">HTTPS protects data in transit<\/p>\n    <h2 id=\"ssl-answer\">An SSL certificate lets a browser verify the website name and create an encrypted HTTPS connection<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"ukc-organic-lead\"><strong>Modern connections actually use TLS, but most people still call the certificate SSL.<\/strong> It protects data travelling between the visitor and the server. It does not prove that every claim on the website is trustworthy or that the site has no other security weaknesses.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"ukc-organic-actions\">\n      <a class=\"ukc-organic-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/hosting.php?ukc_ref=support_ssl_explainer#plans\" data-ukc-organic-cta=\"top\" data-ukc-organic-destination=\"hosting\">View Hosting with Free SSL<\/a>\n      <a class=\"ukc-organic-text-link\" href=\"#ssl-how-it-works\">How HTTPS works<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ukc-organic-facts\" aria-label=\"SSL certificate summary\">\n      <article><span>ENCRYPTS<\/span><strong>Data in transit<\/strong><small>Between browser and server<\/small><\/article>\n      <article><span>VERIFIES<\/span><strong>The website name<\/strong><small>Against the certificate<\/small><\/article>\n      <article><span>RENEWS<\/span><strong>Before expiry<\/strong><small>To avoid browser warnings<\/small><\/article>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <nav class=\"ukc-organic-nav\" aria-label=\"On this page\">\n    <strong>On this page<\/strong>\n    <a href=\"#ssl-how-it-works\">How it works<\/a>\n    <a href=\"#ssl-protects\">What it protects<\/a>\n    <a href=\"#ssl-options\">UKC SSL options<\/a>\n    <a href=\"#ssl-name-coverage\">Name coverage<\/a>\n    <a href=\"#ssl-problems\">Warnings<\/a>\n    <a href=\"#ssl-questions\">Questions<\/a>\n  <\/nav>\n\n  <h2 id=\"ssl-how-it-works\">How does an SSL certificate create HTTPS?<\/h2>\n  <ol class=\"ukc-organic-steps\">\n    <li><span>1<\/span><div><strong>The browser requests HTTPS<\/strong><p>A visitor opens an address beginning with https:\/\/ and contacts the web server.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n    <li><span>2<\/span><div><strong>The server presents a certificate<\/strong><p>The browser checks the covered hostnames, issuing authority, validity period and certificate chain.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n    <li><span>3<\/span><div><strong>An encrypted session begins<\/strong><p>If the checks pass, the browser and server agree secure connection keys and exchange the page over TLS.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n  <\/ol>\n  <aside class=\"ukc-organic-note\"><strong>SSL is the familiar product name; TLS is the current protocol.<\/strong> Phrases such as SSL certificate, TLS certificate and HTTPS certificate commonly refer to the same certificate used for a modern TLS connection.<\/aside>\n\n  <h2 id=\"ssl-protects\">What does HTTPS protect, and what does it not protect?<\/h2>\n  <div class=\"ukc-organic-grid two\">\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><span class=\"ukc-organic-badge\">Protects<\/span><h3>Data while it travels<\/h3><p>Encryption makes it much harder for somebody on the network path to read or alter forms, logins and page content in transit.<\/p><\/article>\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><span class=\"ukc-organic-badge\">Protects<\/span><h3>Connection to the named site<\/h3><p>The browser checks that the certificate covers the hostname being opened and chains to a trusted certificate authority.<\/p><\/article>\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><span class=\"ukc-organic-badge\">Does not prove<\/span><h3>The business is honest<\/h3><p>A valid certificate does not make an offer, seller or download trustworthy. Scam and compromised sites can also use HTTPS.<\/p><\/article>\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><span class=\"ukc-organic-badge\">Does not replace<\/span><h3>Website security and maintenance<\/h3><p>Passwords, updates, backups, malware protection, access controls and safe code remain necessary after HTTPS is working.<\/p><\/article>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <h2>Why should every business website use HTTPS?<\/h2>\n  <div class=\"ukc-organic-grid two\">\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><h3>Protect forms and logins<\/h3><p>Contact details, passwords and other submitted information should not travel over an unencrypted HTTP connection.<\/p><\/article>\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><h3>Avoid browser warnings<\/h3><p>Browsers clearly warn visitors when a connection is insecure, a certificate has expired or the hostname does not match.<\/p><\/article>\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><h3>Use modern web features<\/h3><p>Many browser capabilities and third-party integrations require a secure context before they will operate normally.<\/p><\/article>\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><h3>Provide the expected standard<\/h3><p>Customers expect HTTPS on ordinary information sites as well as shops, account areas and payment journeys.<\/p><\/article>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <h2 id=\"ssl-options\">Which SSL route applies to a UKC service?<\/h2>\n  <div class=\"ukc-organic-table-wrap\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"UKC SSL routes\" tabindex=\"0\">\n    <table class=\"ukc-organic-table\">\n      <thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Service<\/th><th scope=\"col\">SSL route<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Important detail<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr><th scope=\"row\">UKC shared web hosting<\/th><td>Free Let&#8217;s Encrypt SSL is available in Plesk<\/td><td>Issue it for the website names you use, enable renewal and redirect HTTP to HTTPS after testing<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><th scope=\"row\">UKC parked domain<\/th><td>Domain Parking SSL is a paid domain add-on<\/td><td>It secures the parked website and protects forwarding; it is normally provisioned automatically within a few minutes<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><th scope=\"row\">Another hosting provider<\/th><td>Use the certificate route supported by that platform<\/td><td>The certificate must be installed where HTTPS terminates, not simply purchased from the domain registrar<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><th scope=\"row\">Cloudflare or another proxy<\/th><td>Configure both visitor-side and origin-side encryption correctly<\/td><td>A proxy certificate alone does not justify sending traffic to an insecure or unverified origin<\/td><\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <h2 id=\"ssl-name-coverage\">Which names must the certificate cover?<\/h2>\n  <p>A certificate is valid only for the hostnames listed in it. Cover every public name that should open securely, and avoid redirecting visitors through an uncovered name.<\/p>\n  <div class=\"ukc-organic-grid two\">\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><h3>Root domain<\/h3><p>example.uk is a different certificate name from www.example.uk. Include both if the website accepts both.<\/p><\/article>\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><h3>Subdomains<\/h3><p>shop.example.uk, portal.example.uk and other services need explicit coverage unless a suitable wildcard certificate is used.<\/p><\/article>\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><h3>Mail hostnames<\/h3><p>Email certificate warnings concern the hostname entered in the mail app. UKC shared-hosting customers should use their assigned server hostname.<\/p><\/article>\n    <article class=\"ukc-organic-card\"><h3>Webmail hostnames<\/h3><p>Use the supported secure webmail address. Creating a webmail subdomain does not automatically guarantee its certificate covers that name.<\/p><\/article>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <h2>How should you install or enable HTTPS safely?<\/h2>\n  <ol class=\"ukc-organic-steps\">\n    <li><span>1<\/span><div><strong>Point DNS to the correct service<\/strong><p>The certificate authority must be able to validate the relevant hostname through the supported method.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n    <li><span>2<\/span><div><strong>Issue the certificate<\/strong><p>Use the Plesk, parking add-on or external-platform process that controls the server receiving HTTPS.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n    <li><span>3<\/span><div><strong>Test every important name<\/strong><p>Open the root domain, www name and any required subdomains directly over HTTPS.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n    <li><span>4<\/span><div><strong>Redirect HTTP after testing<\/strong><p>Send visitors to the preferred HTTPS address only when that address works without certificate or content errors.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n    <li><span>5<\/span><div><strong>Fix mixed content<\/strong><p>Update images, scripts, fonts and styles that still load from insecure http:\/\/ addresses.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n    <li><span>6<\/span><div><strong>Confirm renewal<\/strong><p>Automatic renewal still depends on working validation, DNS and service configuration. Investigate renewal warnings promptly.<\/p><\/div><\/li>\n  <\/ol>\n\n  <h2 id=\"ssl-problems\">What causes common certificate warnings?<\/h2>\n  <div class=\"ukc-organic-table-wrap\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"SSL warning causes\" tabindex=\"0\">\n    <table class=\"ukc-organic-table\">\n      <thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Warning<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Likely cause<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What to check<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr><th scope=\"row\">Name mismatch<\/th><td>The opened hostname is not listed in the certificate<\/td><td>Use a covered hostname or reissue the certificate with every required name<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><th scope=\"row\">Expired certificate<\/th><td>Renewal failed or the replacement is not installed on the active service<\/td><td>Check expiry, renewal logs, DNS validation and which server answers the request<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><th scope=\"row\">Untrusted issuer or chain<\/th><td>The browser cannot build a trusted chain to the issuing authority<\/td><td>Install the correct certificate and intermediate chain on the server<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><th scope=\"row\">Mixed content<\/th><td>The page is HTTPS but an image, script or other resource still uses HTTP<\/td><td>Use browser developer tools or a site scan to locate and update insecure resource URLs<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><th scope=\"row\">Wrong website shown<\/th><td>DNS, a proxy or the server virtual host points to the wrong destination<\/td><td>Trace DNS and confirm the hostname is attached to the intended hosting account<\/td><\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n  <\/div>\n  <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/support\/how-to-check-ssl-with-ssl-shopper-ssl-checker\/\" data-ukc-organic-cta=\"check\" data-ukc-organic-destination=\"ssl-check-guide\"><strong>Use the UKC SSL checking guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n  <h2 id=\"ssl-questions\">SSL certificate questions<\/h2>\n  <div class=\"ukc-organic-faq\">\n    <details open><summary>What is the difference between SSL and TLS?<\/summary><p>SSL is the older protocol name that remains common in product language. Secure websites now use TLS, while the certificate is still widely called an SSL certificate.<\/p><\/details>\n    <details><summary>Does a certificate make a website completely secure?<\/summary><p>No. It protects the connection in transit. The website, server, accounts, software and business processes still need their own security controls.<\/p><\/details>\n    <details><summary>Is free SSL included with UKC hosting?<\/summary><p>Yes. Current UKC shared-hosting plans provide Let&#8217;s Encrypt SSL through Plesk.<\/p><\/details>\n    <details><summary>Can I use free hosting SSL on a parked domain?<\/summary><p>A parked domain is a different service. Use the Domain Parking SSL add-on to secure the parked website and forwarding.<\/p><\/details>\n    <details><summary>Will HTTPS automatically improve rankings?<\/summary><p>HTTPS is an expected technical foundation, not a substitute for useful content, relevance, accessibility and a good customer experience. Do not buy a certificate based on a guaranteed ranking claim.<\/p><\/details>\n    <details><summary>Why is the padlock not proof that a site is genuine?<\/summary><p>The certificate proves control of a hostname and protects the connection. It does not verify every business claim, product or person behind the site.<\/p><\/details>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <section class=\"ukc-organic-final\" aria-labelledby=\"ssl-final\">\n    <div><p class=\"ukc-organic-kicker\">Make HTTPS part of the service<\/p><h2 id=\"ssl-final\">Choose hosting with SSL included, then verify the names, redirect and renewal<\/h2><p>UKC shared hosting includes Let&#8217;s Encrypt SSL. Parked domains can add Domain Parking SSL from their domain tools.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div class=\"ukc-organic-final-actions\">\n      <a class=\"ukc-organic-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/hosting.php?ukc_ref=support_ssl_explainer#plans\" data-ukc-organic-cta=\"final\" data-ukc-organic-destination=\"hosting\">Compare Hosting Plans<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/billing.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/clientarea.php?action=domains&#038;ukc_ref=support_ssl_explainer\" data-ukc-organic-cta=\"parking\" data-ukc-organic-destination=\"client-area\">Open My Domains<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HTTPS protects data in transit An SSL certificate lets a browser verify the website name and create an encrypted HTTPS connection Modern connections actually use TLS, but most people still call the certificate SSL. It protects data travelling between the visitor and the server. It does not prove that every claim on the website is &#8230; <a title=\"What Is an SSL Certificate? A Beginner&#8217;s Guide\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/support\/beginners-guide-what-is-an-ssl-certificate\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about What Is an SSL Certificate? A Beginner&#8217;s Guide\">Read more&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"generate_page_header":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[262,253],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4897","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-beginners-guide","category-ssl"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is an SSL Certificate and How Does HTTPS Work? | UKC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what an SSL certificate protects, how HTTPS works, which names a certificate covers and how SSL is provided for UKC hosting and parked domains.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/support\/beginners-guide-what-is-an-ssl-certificate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is an SSL Certificate and How Does HTTPS Work? | UKC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn what an SSL certificate protects, how HTTPS works, which names a certificate covers and how SSL is provided for UKC hosting and parked domains.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/support\/beginners-guide-what-is-an-ssl-certificate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"UK-Cheapest.co.uk\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-10-08T16:42:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-14T17:58:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ogimage1.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1731\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"908\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"UKC\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@ukchelpdesk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@ukchelpdesk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"UKC\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\\\/support\\\/beginners-guide-what-is-an-ssl-certificate\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\\\/support\\\/beginners-guide-what-is-an-ssl-certificate\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"UKC\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.uk-cheapest.co.uk\\\/support\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/135cf981b8a3a120603fcbc027eed746\"},\"headline\":\"What Is an SSL Certificate? 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