If you have a website, you’ve probably heard of SSL certificates, but are you actually aware of what they are and why they are important?
SSL is an acronym for secure sockets layer. SSL certificates are the backbone of website security, and are vital for any business with an online presence, especially in 2018. SSL certificates allow someone’s browser to bridge a secure connection to your server, ensuring that the information is securely transferred.
You can tell if a website is SSL secure by looking at the URL structure. If a website’s URL starts out with “http,” it is not SSL secure. If it starts with “https,” then it is secure.
Here are a few reasons why all of this is important:
- Stops Theft of Information Submitted by Users
When a user submits information on your website, it usually goes through a network of computers before it reaches you. So the chances of that information being stolen along the way are higher if SSL is not applied on your website. SSL encrypts the information so that it’s readable only to the party it is intended for. It does this by adding random characters to the submitted information, which can only be accessed with an encryption key. The information is useless to anyone who doesn’t have that key.
- Provides a Sense of Security and Seal of Trust to the People Visiting Your Website
With identity theft on the rise, information security is more important than ever before. SSL ensures that you keep everyone’s information secure, which builds confidence in people who are visiting your website. - A Necessity for Online Payments
An SSL certificate is a essential for any website that accepts online payments. So, if you have an ecommerce site, you have to have an SSL certificate installed if you plan to accept credit card payments on your website . - It’s Mandatory in 2018
To ensure safer browsing in 2018, Google has started flagging any website that didn’t have SSL certification by the end of 2017. It’s important to note that this change will affect all websites and not just ecommerce sites. So, if you’re a Travel Company, Hotelier, lawyer, dentist, realtor or consultant, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that this change doesn’t apply to you. It does.
Now these days when people try to access a website without a SSL certification, a ‘Not Secure’ appears, which more often times prompts a user to leave such site.
Maintaining an online presence can be tough in coming times, so don’t make it any harder for yourself than it already is. If you don’t already have an SSL certificate on your website, NOW is the time to do so.
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