How to Check Your SSL Certificate (And Why It Matters)

Your SSL/TLS certificate is what puts the padlock in your browser's address bar. It encrypts the connection between your visitors and your server, protecting passwords, credit cards, and personal data in transit. When it expires or is misconfigured, browsers show scary warnings that drive visitors away. Google also uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, so a broken certificate can hurt your SEO. Here's how to check your SSL certificate and what to look for. The Quick Way: Use an Online Scanner The fastest way to check your SSL certificate is with a free online tool. Enter your domain and get a report in seconds. GuardScan checks your SSL/TLS certificate alongside HTTP headers, DNS records, and cookie security -- all in one scan. You'll get a letter grade and specific findings for each category. Other dedicated SSL checkers include Qualys SSL Labs for deep protocol analysis and SSL Shopper's SSL Checker for quick expiry checks. What to Check For 1. Certificate Validity The most basic check: is