1. Home
2. /
3. TLS/SSL & S/MIME
4. /
5. TLS/SSL certificates - the fundamentals

TLS/SSL certificates - the fundamentals

1 min read

Why TLS/SSL?

TLS/SSL certificates encrypt data transmission between the web server and browser and are now a fundamental component of secure web applications. Without such encryption, transmitted data—such as login credentials or payment information—can be intercepted and read within network traffic.

In addition to standard certificates, there are advanced variants such as EV (Extended Validation) certificates, where the identity of the company is verified through multiple validation steps. This verification is directly visible to visitors in the browser. Search engines like Google rank websites with continuous TLS/SSL protection (Always-On-SSL) more favorably than those without or with only partial protection.

Content overview

The following pages provide technical and organizational fundamental knowledge regarding TLS/SSL certificates.

• OpenSSL - most common commands
• Certificate types and their validation
• Wildcard certificate extension
• Certificate SAN extension
• Multi-year Plan: Order TLS/SSL certificates with Multi-year validity periods
• Information about the TLS/SSL contacts
• Reminder email for expiring certificates
• CAA record
• CSR - Certificate Signing Request
• The certificate chain
• Domain Control Validation