SSL certificate – 5 reasons to use it
The security is, and it will be a constant concern for everybody, website owners, and users. Cybercriminals don’t stop hacking, so we can’t quit protecting our sites. Every upgrade or new development related to boosting security online is worthy of trying.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL means Secure Sockets Layer. It’s a cryptographic protocol for connecting servers with users’ computers, or any other devices, ensuring data passing through them remains confidential.
Secure Sockets Layer is a data file that creates an encrypted link browser-server cryptographically. When they connect, the SSL certificate is validated, or no communication between them gets protected. This way, no one else but the user and the website could access the info (e-mail address, payment details, etc.) provided by the user.
Users can visually identify a website that has a SSL certificate through the extra “s” that appears after “HTTP”.
5 reasons to use an SSL certificate
Boost security on your website
SSL certificate protects your website and users from different threats. It prevents phishing that commonly works by cloning sites or pages. It requires a very high hacking level to make a convincing copy of a site protected with SSL.
SSL also prevents breaches while encrypting the data users send to your site. If someone intercepts this communication user’s browser-website (server), the SSL can detect and warn about a third-player involved.
Protect users’ data
No matter the website you own (blog, corporate site, portfolio, e-shop), there’s valuable information from users you must protect, from an e-mail, passwords, to sensitive card numbers.
SSL reinforces your site security by encrypting info going from one user device to another or device to server.
Be an authenticated and trustable website
To authenticate websites is another objective of SSL certificates. For installing a SSL certificate on your site, there’s a previous process for your identity to be verified.
Your identity is confirmed by an independent third-party authority in charge of issuing a digital certificate for websites. Once done, your website gets the signs that vouch for its integrity as an authentic, trustable website. Depending on the kind of SSL certificate you get, users can even check details about you and your organization directly on the website.
SSL authentication brings benefits for sites in terms of good reputation and trust.
Cover the requirements
For all kinds of websites, to protect their users’ data and be authenticated have become an obligation due to the serious threats to privacy that exist online.
In 2018, Google announced that websites without TLS/SSL certificates would be flagged with the warning message “Not secure website”. A security measure to make safer the online experience.
If the first thing your potential clients see while requesting your website is the “unsafe” warning in the URL field, they can quit immediately.
To receive online payments, e-shops must be PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant. That means there are some requirements to guarantee websites are a secure environment to manage such transactions. Having a SSL certificate is one of those requirements.
Rank better on Google
Google has taken different measures pushing website owners to make the online experience safer. Since 2004, the company places better websites with a SSL certificate installed. They clearly improve their search engine ranking.
Conclusion
No effort is pointless about a security matter. The good news is, SSL certificates are affordable. There are different kinds and some come free when purchasing other digital services like web hosting. So be legit, protect users’ data, and do great businesses!