What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL certificates are small data files that encrypt data packets as they are sent through the Internet. SSL is often used to transfer data logins and credit card information online.

An SSL certificate combines with:

• a domain name with a server name or hostname; and
• a business identity and location.

A website that has an SSL certificate ensures all website traffic between your web server and user’s browser is secure and cannot be read. When your website has an active SSL certificate the application protocol changes from HTTP to HTTPS.

To see if your website has an SSL certificate, simply view your website’s URL to see whether it contains HTTP or HTTPS.

SSL is required for PCI Compliance
In order to accept credit card information on your website, you must pass certain audits that show that you are complying with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards. One of the requirements is properly using an SSL Certificate.