An SSL certificate allows your website to use HTTPS. That protects traffic between the visitor and the server, including logins, form submissions, cookies, and checkout steps.
Certificate Versus Redirect
Installing a certificate is only one part of the job. You should also force HTTP traffic to HTTPS so visitors and search engines use the secure version consistently.
Mixed Content
Mixed content happens when an HTTPS page loads images, scripts, or stylesheets over HTTP. Browsers may block those resources or show a warning. Update old internal URLs after enabling HTTPS.
Renewal
Many modern hosting platforms can renew Let's Encrypt certificates automatically. Even so, it is worth checking SSL after DNS changes, migrations, or domain changes.
What HTTPS Does Not Do
HTTPS does not make a vulnerable plugin safe, stop weak passwords, or secure your admin area by itself. It is necessary, but it is only one layer.
If your site shows certificate warnings, check DNS, force HTTPS settings, mixed content, and whether the certificate covers both the root domain and www.
