---
title: "SSL/TLS"
description: "SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) is the encryption protocol that enables HTTPS, securing data transmitted between a user's browser and a web server."
category: "Web Security & Infrastructure"
date: "2026-03-05"
url: "https://getbeast.io/glossary/ssl-tls/"
type: "glossary"
---

# SSL/TLS

**Category:** Web Security & Infrastructure | **Updated:** 2026-03-05

SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) is the encryption protocol that enables HTTPS, securing data transmitted between a user's browser and a web server.

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## What Is SSL/TLS?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols that encrypt data transmitted between a web browser and server. When a site uses SSL/TLS, its URL starts with `https://` and browsers display a padlock icon. Modern implementations use TLS 1.3 — SSL is technically deprecated but the term is still widely used.

## Why SSL/TLS Matters for SEO
Google confirmed HTTPS as a **ranking signal** in 2014. Chrome labels HTTP sites as "Not Secure," deterring users. HTTPS is required for HTTP/2 (which improves page speed), and many modern browser features (geolocation, service workers) require a secure context. Not having HTTPS is a competitive disadvantage in search results.

## How to Implement SSL/TLS
Obtain an SSL certificate (free from Let's Encrypt or via your hosting provider). Configure your server to use HTTPS. Implement 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS for all URLs. Update internal links, canonical tags, and sitemaps to use HTTPS. Verify the migration in Search Console.

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## Related Terms

- [HTTP/2](/glossary/http2/)
- [HTTP/3](/glossary/http3/)
- [CDN](/glossary/cdn/)
- [Site Migration](/glossary/site-migration/)
- [301 Redirect](/glossary/301-redirect/)


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*Part of the [GetBeast SEO Glossary](/glossary/). Visit [GetBeast.io](https://getbeast.io) for professional SEO and log analysis tools.*