SSL Certificate Checker
Verify your website's SSL certificate status, expiration date, and security details.
SSL Certificate Checker Tool
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection. It ensures that all data transmitted between the web server and browser remains private and secure.
- Encrypts sensitive information like login credentials and credit card details
- Builds trust with your website visitors
- Improves search engine rankings (Google favors HTTPS sites)
- Prevents "Not Secure" warnings in browsers
- Domain Validation (DV)
Basic verification of domain ownership
- Organization Validation (OV)
Verifies organization and domain ownership
- Extended Validation (EV)
Highest level of validation and trust
- Wildcard SSL
Covers main domain and unlimited subdomains
Recommended SSL Certificate Providers
Need a new SSL certificate or looking to renew? Check out these trusted SSL certificate providers:
Understanding SSL Certificate Chains
An SSL certificate chain, also known as a certificate chain or certificate hierarchy, refers to the series of SSL certificates that are used to establish the authenticity and trustworthiness of a website's SSL certificate.
When a web browser connects to a website secured with SSL/TLS, it receives the server's SSL certificate. The browser then checks the validity of the certificate by verifying the digital signature using the public key of the root certificate authority.
If the root certificate authority is trusted and the signature is valid, the browser proceeds to check the entire certificate chain, ensuring that each certificate is valid and properly signed by the next certificate in the chain until it reaches the end entity certificate. This process helps to establish a secure and encrypted connection between the browser and the website.
Components of an SSL Certificate Chain
An SSL Certificate chain is made of three components:
The end entity certificate, also known as the SSL certificate or server certificate, is the certificate issued to the specific domain or server for which SSL encryption is being used. It contains information such as the domain name, organization name, public key, expiration date, and digital signature.
Intermediate certificates are issued by a trusted root certificate authority (CA) and are used to bridge the gap between the end entity certificate and the root certificate. These certificates are often used by certificate authorities to create a hierarchical structure, where the root certificate is kept offline for security purposes, and intermediate certificates are used for issuing end entity certificates.
The root certificate authority is the top-level certificate in the SSL certificate hierarchy. Root certificates are self-signed certificates issued by trusted certificate authorities. They are used to establish trust in intermediate certificates and ultimately in the end entity certificates. Root certificates are pre-installed in web browsers and operating systems to provide a foundation of trust for SSL/TLS connections.
Why Certificate Chains Matter for Website Security
Certificate chains are crucial for establishing trust in the SSL/TLS ecosystem. They allow browsers to verify that a website's certificate was issued by a trusted authority, ensuring that the connection is secure and not vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. When checking your SSL certificate, it's important to ensure that the entire certificate chain is valid and properly configured to avoid security warnings and maintain visitor trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSL Certificates
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. This encryption ensures that all data transmitted between the web server and browser remains private and secure.
Why do I need an SSL certificate?
SSL certificates are essential for website security, protecting sensitive information, building visitor trust, improving SEO rankings (as Google favors HTTPS sites), and preventing "Not Secure" browser warnings. They're particularly crucial for e-commerce sites, login pages, and any website collecting personal information.
How do I know if my SSL certificate is working properly?
You can verify your SSL certificate is working properly by using our SSL Certificate Checker tool above. Look for a padlock icon in your browser's address bar, check that your URL begins with "https://" instead of "http://", and ensure there are no security warnings when visitors access your site.
What is an SSL certificate chain?
An SSL certificate chain is a series of certificates that link your website's SSL certificate to a trusted root certificate authority. This chain includes your end-entity certificate, intermediate certificates, and the root certificate. A properly configured certificate chain ensures browsers trust your website's SSL certificate.
How often should I renew my SSL certificate?
SSL certificates typically need to be renewed every 1-2 years, depending on the certificate type and issuer. It's recommended to renew your certificate at least 30 days before expiration to avoid any security warnings or downtime. Our SSL checker tool will show you exactly how many days remain until your certificate expires.