What is SSL Certificate (HTTPS)?
An SSL certificate is what puts the padlock and https:// in front of a website address. It encrypts all data travelling between the visitor's browser and the server, so passwords, payment details and form entries cannot be read by anyone intercepting the connection — on public Wi-Fi, at the ISP, or anywhere in between. It also verifies the site is served by the domain's real owner.
HTTPS stopped being optional years ago: Chrome labels plain-HTTP sites "Not secure", Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, and payment gateways refuse to work without it. Free certificates from Let's Encrypt cover most needs and auto-renew every 90 days; hosting panels like cPanel install them in one click. Paid certificates mainly add warranty and validation levels that matter to banks and large enterprises.