+By default Friendica allows SSL communication between websites that have "self-signed" SSL certificates.
+For the widest compatibility with browsers and other networks we do not recommend using self-signed certificates, but we will not prevent you from using them.
+SSL encrypts all the data transmitted between sites (and to your browser). This allows you to have completely encrypted communications, and also protect your login session from hijacking.
+Self-signed certificates can be generated for free, without paying top-dollar for a website SSL certificate.
+However these aren't looked upon favourably in the security community because they can be subject to so-called "man-in-the-middle" attacks.
+If you wish, you can turn on strict certificate checking.
+This will mean you cannot connect (at all) to self-signed SSL sites.