SSL, TLS, and HTTPS are related, but they are not interchangeable. Modern secure websites use HTTPS powered by TLS.
SSL was the original encryption protocol for browser-to-server connections. It is obsolete, although SSL certificate remains common shorthand for a certificate used with TLS.
TLS replaced SSL. It encrypts data in transit, helps prevent tampering, and authenticates the server through a digital certificate. Modern sites should support TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3; TLS 1.3 is the current version.
HTTPS means HTTP delivered over TLS. If your site loads with https://, the browser uses TLS to protect traffic between visitors and your server.
What Website Owners Should Do
Website owners should use HTTPS sitewide, keep certificates valid, redirect HTTP to HTTPS, remove mixed-content resources, and use modern TLS settings through their host or CDN.
Conclusion
You do not need to choose between SSL, TLS, and HTTPS. Use HTTPS with modern TLS; treat SSL certificate as legacy terminology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SSL still secure?
No. SSL is obsolete. Modern websites use TLS.
Do I need HTTPS if my site has no checkout?
Yes. HTTPS protects traffic, supports secure browser features, and should be used across the entire website.
