Most websites acquire user data through contact forms, newsletter subscriptions, or online commerce. The last thing you want is your clients’ credit card or other personal information stolen during online transactions. SSL certificates help here.
An SSL certificate is beneficial for any website. It protects consumer data and boosts the site’s search engine rankings and credibility.
What is SSL, and how does it work?
SSL encrypts browser-web server data. It protects data transmissions by encrypting them for permitted parties. CAs sell SSL website certificates to website owners. The CA generates certificates using the Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
The certificate installation server generates encrypted CSRs. The website domain, public key, and contact information are included. The web server sends the SSL website certificate to the visitor’s browser to verify its authenticity when the visitor accesses the website.
If all goes properly, a secure SSL connection will be established. Some browsers display a padlock icon and HTTPS in the address bar, signifying a safe website.
Why do I need an SSL certificate?
Having an SSL website certificate is not only about protecting sensitive information. Let’s examine some reasons you’ll need this digital certificate.
Establish Trust
Building customer trust is crucial. Customers require assurance that their data is safe, especially for online firms. SSL certificates reassure users that they can safely share information with your website, encouraging them to utilise your business and putting you ahead of competitors without one.
It lets visitors verify website ownership before signing in or providing critical information.
Improve Security
Site security can be achieved in several ways. SSL website certificates add vital security against malicious assaults. Even if the website doesn’t take transactions, it protects users’ logins, addresses, and other sensitive data.
SSL-free websites use HTTP, a text-based protocol, making traffic easy to intercept and read. Encrypting data with cryptographic keys makes HTTPS more secure and more challenging for attackers to intercept. Attackers may steal data or reroute traffic to phishing websites that request login passwords or other sensitive data.
If an attacker intercepts your connection, an SSL certificate prevents them from decrypting the data.
Strengthen SEO
SSL website certificates improve SEO. Website security affects page rankings on Google and other search engines. To keep users safe, Google Chrome and other browsers display a “Not Secure” warning on all non-SSL websites.
A site with an SSL certificate ranks higher in search engine results pages than one without.
Does my website need an SSL certificate?
Every website owner should prioritise installing an SSL website certificate. A worry-free surfing experience for all website visitors is crucial, regardless of whether it gathers data or not.
Let’s look at a few examples of websites that use SSL certificates.
Personal websites
When a prospective client fills out a contact form on a personal website, SSL encrypts the submitted information so hackers cannot access it.
eCommerce websites
eCommerce websites are becoming a trend, and these online retailers manage customer payments, so data transfers must be safe. SSL prevents external parties from stealing customer and website data like usernames, passwords, and payment information. Since PCI requires encrypting cardholder data across open networks, all websites that accept payments online must have an SSL certificate.
Static Websites
Despite not collecting data or accepting payments, static websites must safeguard their content because hackers can target HTTP site visitors.
Governmental websites
Any government institution must keep users’ personal information private. Data forms need to be secure to prevent hackers from looking through or changing data.
How can I get an SSL certificate?
Choose the SSL website certificate type that best fits your website’s security requirements and price range. Your website’s hosting environment will determine how and where to install an SSL certificate. Usually, the service your hosting provider provides includes installing an SSL certificate.
