Why an SSL Certificate is So Important for Website

Why an SSL Certificate is So Important for Website

It is not news that the protection of sensitive information is essential when using the Internet. Email passwords, Internet banking applications, and credit card credentials are frequently being stolen. You may be protected, but can you say the same for your visitors?

Although you can’t keep them under a glass jar, website’s can do a lot to protect their users. In fact, encryption and other security measures on the Internet are absolutely necessary.

If you want to have a good relationship with the major web browsers and search engines, SSL and HTTPS are required.

When someone is trying to start a simple website to promote their local business, these acronyms can make their head spin. But you don’t have to be an IT wizard to figure it out.

What exactly is SSL certificate?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. Simply put, an SSL certificate lets visitors know that they can safely search, communicate, share information, and purchase products on a website. Basically, SSL establishes a secure connection for such activities.

It’s like a windshield on your car. Without it, you would speed down the road in a field with all those bugs flying around. The certificate protects your website and users from all the nasty things lurking on the Internet.

Make no mistake about thinking that your website is not important enough for hackers. Most interceptions of this type are done automatically without the person showing a specific website. The only purpose of creepy indexing is to find vulnerabilities.

How Does It Work?

An encrypted connection has been established between the server and the user’s Internet browser. Everything is done by the so-called “handshake” behind the scenes.

The visitor does not notice anything while surfing the website. However, in the background, there is a back-and-forth between the server and the browser. SSL seamlessly protects the valuable information exchanged between the two parties.

HTTPS

Don’t worry. We won’t start the whole story from scratch. You’ve probably seen HTTP, though you may not know what it is. To the untrained eye, HTTP and HTTPS look the same.

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is a set of rules for transferring files such as video, audio, text, graphics, etc. HTTPS or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure is a secure version of HTTP.

And what makes it safe? SSL certificate. If you see HTTPS letters in a website URL, it means it’s SSL-protected. Then you can be sure that neither of the data passed between the two parties is forged or tampered.

If you want to switch from HTTP to HTTPS, you will need help. It’s not exactly a do-it-yourself project.

It is best to contact your web host or find an IT professional. It will guide you through the process and start the wheels.

The Benefits

HTTPS offers much more than just another level of security. It also can change the way others perceive and treat your website.

Protection

Identity theft scams are widespread. Hackers use phishing scams to steal sensitive information such as IDs, passwords, credit card information, etc. The certificate protects your visitors’ information from rogue hackers and fraudsters.

A cyber attack can be a massive hit to any business. By protecting your website, you also protect your market share.

Ranking

Like other major search engines, Google places websites with SSL above others. All of this is to provide visitors with a safe view.

HTTPS is used as a parameter for SEO ranking. The certificate improves the ranking of your browser. No matter what website someone owns, who could say they didn’t want to rank higher on Google or Bing?

Google is open to prioritizing safe websites. They have been doing this since 2014.

Authentication

Because there are multiple authentications, HTTPS lets visitors know that they are doing business with you, not an imposter. Authentication is one of the most important aspects of web security.

The certificate proves that your company is a legally responsible organization. It shows visitors that you are behind the domain name and that it is in the right hands.

The web is flooded with all kinds of deceptive websites. These are not just practical jokes. Many of them are set to steal someone’s money.

Think of it as the Twittersphere. Anyone can claim that Johnny Depp is there. Still, only the real Johnny Depp has a verified account that lets people know that he is really tweeting behind him.

Trust and Credibility

If your customers don’t know that your website is safe for them, why should they trust you? If they suspect they are safe, they may not even visit your website, let alone buy anything from you. With an SSL certificate, you take care of your customers and their security.

And if you get one, it won’t burn a hole in your pocket. You can expect to improve your web traffic by just a few dollars. It sounds a bit strange, but somehow you can buy trust.

Don’t worry, it won’t decrease the website’s value. Not everyone can get a certificate. To get HTTPS in a URL, your certificate must be approved by the governing authority.

Numerous identity checks are required for this. To get it, you have to be a legitimate business.

So, you always knew you were reliable. Just didn’t know how to communicate this to your customers? Cert will do that for you.

Think of it as FDA approval. Everyone feels more comfortable knowing that the products they use meet certain standards.

Conclusion

It would not be fair to mention the cost of HTTPS absence. When you visit an HTTP website using Firefox or Chrome, you’ll receive a “Website not protected” message or appear next to the website URL.

If you don’t have an SSL certificate, the two most popular web browsers will automatically classify your site as insecure. Just as they reward secure websites, search engines punish those who don’t. It is clear that we have entered a new era of online security.

When you run a website, keep in mind that the safety of your users is paramount. He will return to you with his loyalty. Everyone likes to shop online or just surf the Internet and feel safe while doing it.

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