SSL Lookup

SSL Lookup is a service that allows you to input a domain name and receive information about its SSL certificate. This can be useful for verifying the authenticity and security of a website, as well as obtaining information about the organization behind it.

When performing an SSL Lookup, you may receive the following information:

• Country: The country where the organization that owns the domain is located.
• Organization: The legal name of the organization that owns the domain.
• Common name: The fully qualified domain name (FQDN) associated with the SSL certificate.
• Issued on: The date on which the SSL certificate was issued.
• Expiring on: The date on which the SSL certificate will expire.

Why Perform an SSL Lookup?

SSL Lookup can be a useful tool for ensuring the security and authenticity of a website. When you connect to a website over HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), the website's SSL certificate is used to establish an encrypted connection between your device and the server. By verifying the SSL certificate, you can confirm that the website is legitimate and that your connection is secure. This is especially important when entering sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, on a website.

In addition to verifying the security of a website, SSL Lookup can also provide information about the organization behind the domain. This can be helpful for determining the credibility of a website and understanding its purpose or mission.

How to Perform an SSL Lookup

There are several ways to perform an SSL Lookup:

Using a Web-Based Tool

One option is to use a web-based tool such as SSL Shopper or DigiCert's SSL Checker. To use these tools, simply enter the domain name in the provided field and click "Lookup." The tool will then display the SSL certificate information for the domain.

Using the Command Line

You can also use the command line to perform an SSL Lookup. On Unix/Linux systems, you can use the openssl command to display the SSL certificate information. For example:

$ openssl s_client -connect example.com:443 | openssl x509 -noout -text

On macOS and Windows systems, you can use the certutil command to display the SSL certificate information. For example:

C:\> certutil -urlcache -split -verify https://example.com

Both of these commands will display the SSL certificate information for the specified domain. Note that you may need to install openssl or certutil if they are not already available on your system.

Understanding SSL Certificate Information

When performing an SSL Lookup, you may encounter a variety of information about the SSL certificate. Here are some examples of what this information may mean:

Country

The country where the organization that owns the domain is located. This can be useful for understanding the location of the website and potentially the intended audience. It may also be a factor in determining the credibility of the website, as some countries have more strict regulations on website content and operation.

Organization

The legal name of the organization that owns the domain. This can be helpful for understanding the purpose or mission of the website, as well as the credibility of the organization. It may also be a factor in determining the trustworthiness of the website, as reputable organizations are more likely to have valid SSL certificates.

Common name

The fully qualified domain name (FQDN) associated with the SSL certificate. This is the domain name that the SSL certificate was issued for, and it should match the domain name of the website you are accessing. If the common name does not match the domain name, it could indicate that the SSL certificate is invalid or has been tampered with.

Issued on

The date on which the SSL certificate was issued. This can be useful for determining the age of the SSL certificate and how long it has been in use. Generally, newer SSL certificates are considered more secure than older ones, as they incorporate newer security measures and technologies.

Expiring on

The date on which the SSL certificate will expire. This is the date on which the SSL certificate will no longer be valid and the website will need to obtain a new SSL certificate. It is important to ensure that the SSL certificate for a website is up-to-date, as an expired SSL certificate could indicate that the website is no longer secure or trustworthy.

Examples of SSL Lookup

Here are some examples of how SSL Lookup can be used in everyday situations:

• Verifying the authenticity of a website before entering sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
• Determining the location and purpose of a website, as well as the credibility of the organization behind it.
• Checking the expiration date of an SSL certificate to ensure that a website is secure and up-to-date.
• Troubleshooting issues with SSL certificates, such as certificate errors or expiration warnings.

Overall, SSL Lookup is a useful tool for verifying the security and authenticity of a website, as well as obtaining information about the organization behind it. Whether you are a casual user or a security professional, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the basics of SSL Lookup and how it can help protect your online privacy and security.