How SSL works: The complete 2026 guide to secure web connections

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Before SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) existed, information sent across the internet could be viewed or stolen by anyone who found a way to intercept it. Businesses needed a way to protect customer data and create real confidence online, which led to the development of SSL. Let’s explore how SSL works and why it’s essential for any site that handles sensitive information.

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The mechanics of SSL: How does SSL work?

SSL creates a secure path between a browser and a server so information can move safely across the internet. The process relies on a combination of authentication, encryption, and integrity checks that work together every time someone visits your site. 

The sections below walk through the major components that make SSL work, so you can choose the best SSL setup for your site.

The SSL/TLS handshake: Step-by-step breakdown

The TLS (Transport Layer Security) handshake using an SSL certificate is the first step in creating a secure web session. It sets the rules for the connection before any data is exchanged. Although it happens very quickly, it includes several important stages that determine how the browser and server communicate safely.

1. The browser reaches out to the server. It requests a secure session and shares information about what encryption methods it supports.
2. The server responds with its SSL certificate. This certificate contains the public key and the details needed to identify the website.
3. The browser checks the certificate. It verifies that the certificate is valid, trusted, and issued to the correct domain.
4. Both sides agree on encryption settings. They choose the strongest encryption method supported by both the browser and the server.
5. A session key is created. This key is generated for the specific session and is used to encrypt all data during the visit.
6. Secure communication begins. Once the session key is in place, the browser and server switch to encrypted data transfer.

Reliable SSL certificates help ensure this handshake works as intended for every visitor. If you want a deeper technical look at this process, check out this article on what is an SSL port.

Encryption: How data stays private in transit

Encryption is the core function of SSL. It keeps information from being read by anyone who tries to intercept it. SSL uses two forms of encryption in each session:

• Asymmetric encryption is used during the handshake. It involves a pair of keys, one public and one private, that work together to create the session key. Only the server has the private key, which allows the connection to remain protected.
• Symmetric encryption is used after the handshake. This method uses the shared session key to encrypt and decrypt all data. It keeps the connection fast while still maintaining high levels of security.

When combined, these encryption methods keep user information secure throughout the entire web session. To dig deeper, see our guide to data encryption. 

Authentication: Proving a website’s identity

Authentication protects users from fake or impersonated websites. When a browser connects to a server, it must confirm that the website is legitimate. This verification happens through the SSL certificate. The browser reviews:

• The Certificate Authority (CA) that issued the certificate
• The validity dates
• The domain for which the certificate was issued
• Whether the certificate has been revoked

If everything checks out, the browser knows it is communicating with the real site. This protects users from attackers who might try to imitate a trusted website to capture sensitive information.

Data integrity: Ensuring data isn’t tampered with

Data integrity ensures information stays accurate while it travels between a browser and a server. TLS protects each record with cryptographic integrity checks. Older cipher suites use a separate message authentication code (MAC), while modern TLS deployments commonly use Authenticated encryption (AEAD) cipher suites, where integrity is provided by an authentication tag built into the encryption. These tools help the browser confirm that:

• The data received is the same data the server sent
• No one modified or replaced the information
• The session has not been hijacked or altered

If a mismatch is detected, the browser can stop the connection immediately to prevent further issues. This protects both the user and the business.

What happens when you visit an HTTPS website

Every HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) website visit follows a predictable path that ensures a safe experience. Even though this process happens almost instantly, it includes several important steps:

1. The browser connects to the server and requests a secure session.
2. The SSL handshake begins.
3. The SSL certificate is verified.
4. Encryption settings are agreed upon and a session key is created.
5. All site content loads through an encrypted channel.

These steps create a secure experience without the visitor ever needing to think about what is happening behind the scenes. SSL handles the work so users can browse the internet confidently.

How to know if SSL is enabled

Most browsers give clear visual signs when SSL is active. On some browsers, like Firefox, you’ll see a padlock icon near the address bar, and the URL will begin with https instead of http. On Chrome, select the site information icon to the left of the web address to view the connection’s security status. For example:

Some browsers also show connection details when you click the padlock, including certificate information and whether the connection is fully encrypted. These indicators help visitors confirm that the site is protected. Learn the basics of 90-day SSL certificates to understand how certificate validity affects what users see.

Common SSL problems

Even after installing an SSL certificate, you may still see a “Not secure” warning if something in the setup is incomplete. Issues can appear when redirects are not configured, mixed content is present, or the certificate was installed incorrectly. These situations are among the most common SSL errors site owners encounter. If you want help avoiding these problems, a managed SSL service can handle installation and ongoing maintenance for you.

The ongoing importance of SSL for a safer web

SSL remains one of the most important tools for keeping websites secure and building trust with visitors. It protects data in transit, verifies site identity, and helps prevent common threats that target unencrypted connections. As online security needs continue to grow, keeping your SSL certificate active and properly installed is a key part of maintaining a safe experience for anyone who visits your site.

Certificate lifetimes are also getting shorter. Under a CA/Browser Forum–approved schedule, the maximum validity for publicly trusted TLS certificates drops from 398 days today to 200 days starting March 15, 2026, then 100 days on March 15, 2027, and 47 days on March 15, 2029 — making renewals (and ideally automation) more important than ever.

If you want a simple way to stay protected, explore GoDaddy’s SSL solutions and choose the option that fits your site’s needs.