What is an SSL certificate and why does your business need one?
Does your website URL start with http or https? And what does that mean for your website’s security? Regardless of whether you take payments or process data via your website (or not), Google highlights websites that are not secured by an SSL certificate to potential visitors, and that could be an issue for you. In this blog we’re taking a deeper dive into what SSL certificates are , why they’re so important and how you can go about getting one.
In a world that probably seems packed with technological jargon, SSL may feel like another abbreviation you don’t feel the need to know. But in simple terms, a website without an SSL certificate will no longer be listed as secure on Google. If visitors try to view a website that doesn’t have this encryption, they’ll get a warning that they’re about to visit an unsecure site and asked if they want to continue. This warning means that most people just click away and never visit the site! This is obviously a big problem if you rely on your website for lead generation and sales.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL (secure sockets layer) certificates enable data encryption on the internet. That means data, including card details and personal information, can be transmitted securely from a web server to a browser. An SSL certificate means your website can use the https protocol and will display a padlock in end users’ web browsers to indicate the connection is secure. It’s a means of authenticating an organisation’s identity and ensuring that any data passed between the user and the site remains private and secure.
Why do you need an SSL certificate?
SSL certificates are an essential part of keeping the internet safe for users. They not only encrypt communication between your computer and the server where a website is located, but they also provide verification that a site is what it claims to be. Here are some key reasons why you need an SSL certificate:
- Data protection: SSL encrypts sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, usernames, passwords and other private data, during online transactions. This encryption ensures that only the intended recipient can access and read the data.
- Trust and credibility: Websites with an SSL certificate display a padlock icon in the URL bar and use https instead of http. This visual cue reassures visitors that your site is secure and that their data is protected, increasing their trust in your business.
- Improved SEO rankings: Google has made it clear that security is a top priority. Websites with SSL certificates benefit from higher rankings in search results. It’s a simple SEO step that can significantly boost your visibility online.
- Compliance with payment regulations: If you’re taking orders and payments online, an SSL certificate is a must. Buyers know not to purchase from a website that doesn’t have the padlock icon in the URL, and without an SSL you might be violating payment regulations and standards.
How much does an SSL certificate cost and is it complicated?
The cost of an SSL certificate can vary depending on your web host, but it should never be expensive. In fact, many hosting providers (including us!) will offer free SSL certificates with their hosting packages. This means your website can be secure, safe and current without any additional expense. However, if your web host doesn’t provide a free SSL certificate, it’s worth considering the investment to avoid potential risks. As we’ve discovered in this blog, an insecure website can lead to a loss of valuable sales and damage your reputation.
A boost to your internet security
A couple of years ago a mass hacking incident resulted in many equestrian and countryside websites being compromised. The common factor among these websites? They didn’t have the relevant SSL certification. Hackers actively search for vulnerable websites without SSL protection. When it’s such a cheap and simple addition to your website, it makes sense to have that extra trust and security!
For more information on SSL and website safety and security, please check out this web page or get in touch with us. We’re here to help your business thrive online and help you navigate the world of IT without the added stress.