Hosting terms
What is SSL, and does my business website need it?
Key takeaway
SSL is the familiar name for the encrypted connection used by HTTPS. It protects information travelling between a browser and your website, but does not prove the whole website is safe. SSL is included with both hosting plans.
In this guide
What does SSL mean in everyday language?
SSL is the name many hosting plans use for a secure website connection. Modern websites use its newer form, TLS, but you will still often see “SSL certificate” on a quote. HTTPS at the start of a web address means the browser is using that encrypted connection.
A certificate helps the browser check the website’s identity for that address and establish the protected connection. It is part of setting up a website properly, including a small information website.
How domains, hosting and DNS fit together
Sources: AWS explanation of SSL certificates (opens in a new tab)
Why does my website need it?
Imagine someone sending an enquiry from their phone on a shared Wi-Fi network. HTTPS helps protect the information travelling between their browser and your website. It matters for sign-ins, forms and ordinary browsing.
The certificate needs to cover the address customers actually use and remain current. If a browser shows a certificate warning, have it checked. Ask your host who handles the certificate and any renewal problem.
Does HTTPS mean a website is completely safe?
HTTPS protects the connection. It does not tell you whether the business is honest, the wording is correct or the website’s software is maintained. An enquiry also needs to be handled appropriately after it reaches the website.
Useful hosting security therefore includes protected accounts, maintained systems, monitoring and recovery as well as SSL. Each covers a different part of the job.
Is SSL included with Lightning?
Yes. SSL is included with both Thunder and Lightning, alongside CloudFront CDN, platform security and daily AWS website backups. There is no separate SSL security tier to buy. We check the domain setup as part of getting your website live.
Both plans also include free domain registration and DNS. If you already use a domain, tell us its address and we will assess the setup. Hosting billing starts when your website is live with us.
Compare the hosting plansWhat makes a secure host?The CDN included with both plans