SSL Checker Tool
Free SSL Checker Tool – Check Your SSL Certificate Online
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology is essential for protecting sensitive data transmitted over the internet. When you visit a website with HTTPS in the URL, it means the site uses SSL encryption to secure data sent between the browser and server. SSL certificates also verify the identity of the website and enable trust between the site and visitors.
However, not all SSL certificates are equal. There are different validation levels and types of certificates. Some provide weak encryption that leaves data exposed. Outdated and misconfigured certificates create vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to steal data. This makes using an SSL checker critically important.
How an SSL Checker Protects You
An SSL checker examines the SSL certificate for a website and checks for issues that can impact security. Here are some of the key things an SSL checker looks for:
- Validation Level: SSL certificates must be validated to confirm the website’s identity. Domain validated certificates only check control of the domain. Organization validated certificates require business verification. Extended validation certificates provide the highest level of identity confirmation. An SSL checker identifies the validation level.
- Expiration Date: Certificates expire after a set period and must be renewed. An expired certificate means the site is no longer trusted. The SSL checker checks the expiration date.
- Certificate Authority: Certificates are issued by certificate authorities (CAs), which must follow best practices and procedures. An SSL checker verifies the CA is reputable.
- Certificate Type: The certificate type indicates what the certificate is used for. Domain certificates secure a website. S/MIME certificates encrypt emails. Code signing certificates validate software. The checker identifies the certificate type.
- Key Size: The encryption key size impacts security strength. Smaller keys are easier for hackers to crack. The SSL checker checks that keys are a minimum of 2048 bits.
- Mixed Content Issues: Websites with mixed HTTP and HTTPS content are only partially encrypted. An SSL checker identifies mixed content problems.
Using an SSL checker provides visibility into these key elements of an SSL certificate. It enables you to identify vulnerabilities, expired certificates, weak encryption, and other issues that undermine security. This allows you to take action to ensure your data is fully protected.
When to Use an SSL Checker Tool
Anytime you visit a new website that uses SSL encryption, you should check the certificate using an SSL checker. This is especially important for sites where you enter personal information, login with credentials, make purchases, or access sensitive accounts.
You should also periodically check the certificates of websites you frequent to catch any expired certificates. Outdated certificates often go unnoticed on websites, making regular SSL checks important.
It’s also critical to check SSL certificates after receiving emails claiming to be from trusted organizations like banks, government agencies, or retailers. Fake phishing emails often use invalid certificates in an attempt to fool recipients into entering sensitive information on fake sites. An SSL checker can help uncover malicious emails using invalid certificates.
SSL checks provide an ongoing view of the encryption used to protect your data as you browse and shop online. Running regular checks ensures your information stays secure.
The Ongoing Need for SSL Checking
SSL encryption powers ecommerce, secure logins, and safe communication online. However, not all SSL certificates provide equal protection, and vulnerabilities can be introduced as certificates expire or are misconfigured. Regularly checking SSL certificates using a trusted SSL checker helps keep your data safe as you browse and share information online.
By verifying website certificates, SSL checkers enable you to identify issues and ensure your connections remain secure. They provide an easy way to check the health of SSL encryption on the sites you use. Given the sensitive nature of online data, SSL checking should be part of everyone’s cybersecurity toolkit.
FAQs About Free Online SSL Checker Tool
What information does an SSL checker provide?
SSL checkers test for and provide information on validation level, expiration date, certificate authority, key size, mixed content, and more. This allows you to evaluate the strength of the encryption used on the site.
Is using an SSL checker necessary if the site has HTTPS?
Yes, HTTPS indicates a site that uses SSL, but a secure connection requires a valid, current certificate properly configured by a trusted authority. SSL checkers verify these additional details.
Can SSL checkers detect all threats?
SSL checkers are an important SSL tool but cannot catch every issue. They test the certificate itself but cannot identify flaws in how the encryption is implemented on the server. Various types of cyber-attacks may still occur even if the certificate is checked out.
Are SSL checkers able to check mobile apps?
SSL checkers are designed for testing websites. To check the certificates used by a mobile app, you would need to use a tool like an intercepting proxy that can inspect the app’s traffic.
Is there a risk to running an SSL check on a website?
No, SSL checks do not impact the website or reveal any of your personal information. They only examine the certificate itself to evaluate its validity and encryption strength.