What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a type of digital certificate that is used to establish secure, encrypted connection between a web server and a web client, such as a web browser.
SSL certificates are commonly used to secure online transactions and communications, such as when a user is entering sensitive information, like credit card numbers, on a website.
They help to ensure that the information being transmitted between the web server and the web client is secure and cannot be intercepted by third parties.
Why should you renew an SSL certificate on a server?
Some of the key reasons include the following:
Security: An SSL certificate is used to encrypt communication between a website and its visitors, protecting sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers from being intercepted by attackers. If the certificate is allowed to expire, the website will no longer be able to provide secure communication, leaving visitors’ information vulnerable.
Trust: When a website has a valid SSL certificate, visitors will see a padlock icon in their web browser, indicating that the website is secure. If the certificate is allowed to expire, the padlock will disappear, and visitors may see a warning message indicating that the website is not secure. This can cause visitors to lose trust in the website and may deter them from making purchases or providing sensitive information.
Search engine ranking: Google and other search engines use SSL certificates as one of the factors in their ranking algorithms, meaning that websites with valid SSL certificates may rank higher in search results. If an SSL certificate is allowed to expire, the website’s ranking may be affected, which could lead to fewer visitors and lower revenues.
Overall, renewing an SSL certificate on a server is important to maintain the security, trust, and search engine ranking of the website.
When should you renew an SSL certificate on a server?
An SSL certificate typically needs to be renewed every year. It is a good idea to renew your SSL certificate before it expires to avoid any disruptions to your website. You can check the expiration date of your SSL certificate by running the following command:
openssl x509 -enddate -noout -in /path/to/certificate.crt
You should renew your SSL certificate at least a few weeks before it is set to expire. This will give you enough time to complete the renewal process and avoid any downtime for your website.