SSL certificate
Example: A Brooklyn pizzeria's expired certificate makes browsers throw a red warning over its menu, and instead of paying anyone to fix it, the owner moves to a host that issues and renews a free Let's Encrypt certificate automatically.
TLS certificate, the thing behind the padlock
A small file your web server uses to prove it's really you and to encrypt the connection to a visitor's browser. HTTPS is the result; the SSL (or more properly, TLS) certificate is the proof underneath it.
Why it matters
Modern hosts issue these for free and renew them automatically via Let's Encrypt. If someone is quoting you for one — or worse, your certificate has quietly expired and visitors are seeing a scary red warning — both are solved by moving to a better host.
Frequently asked
What is SSL certificate?
SSL certificate is a small file your web server uses to prove it's really you and to encrypt the connection to a visitor's browser. HTTPS is the result; the SSL (or more properly, TLS) certificate is the proof underneath it.
Why does SSL certificate matter for a restaurant?
Modern hosts issue these for free and renew them automatically via Let's Encrypt. If someone is quoting you for one — or worse, your certificate has quietly expired and visitors are seeing a scary red warning — both are solved by moving to a better host.
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