Ssl certificate browser

Checking SSL certificates in the browser is essential for ensuring secure connections and website authenticity.

About this subject

SSL/TLS certificates are the foundation of web security, allowing browsers to establish encrypted connections with servers. They are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs) such as Let's Encrypt, DigiCert, and GlobalSign, which verify the identity of the website owner. Each certificate contains information like domain name, validity period, public key, and a chain of trust back to a trusted root.

In the browser, you can inspect the certificate by clicking the padlock icon next to the URL. In Google Chrome, for example, you access 'Connection is secure' and then 'Certificate is valid'. There you will find details such as the issuer, validity period, and fingerprints. This verification helps identify legitimate sites and avoid phishing or man-in-the-middle attacks.

Currently, over 95% of web traffic uses HTTPS, thanks to initiatives like Let's Encrypt, which offers free certificates. Extended Validation (EV) certificates display the company name in the address bar, increasing user trust. However, it's important to check that the padlock is present and that the certificate has not expired or been revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to check the SSL certificate of a website in Chrome?

Click the padlock icon in the address bar, then 'Connection is secure', and finally 'Certificate is valid'. A window will display the certificate details.

What does a secure connection mean in the browser?

It indicates the site uses HTTPS, encrypting data between your browser and the server. The green or gray padlock shows the certificate is valid and trusted.

Why do some sites show a green padlock and others gray?

The green padlock was used for EV (Extended Validation) certificates in older browsers. Today, most browsers use a gray padlock for standard HTTPS and green only for EV, but this varies by version.