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What is an SSL?
SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer, a security protocol that creates an encrypted link between your web browser and a web server. An SSL digital Certificate ensures a website’s identity and enables the use of this encrypted connection.
To keep your online transactions and your customers private information secure and safe you’ll need to install add an SSL certificate to your website. These SSL encryptions prevent cyber criminals from reading and tampering with information what is transferred between your server and your clients web browser.
If a website has an SSL certificate in the browser next to the URL then the website is secured by some form of SSL. Some web browsing applications such as Chrome will also warn visitors that their connection is not secure and advise not to submit private information to the website. As you can imagine this has a devastating impact on enquiries / conversions for your business
Google makes SSL mandatory
Google is committed to providing a safer web experience to all. That’s why from 2014 secured websites were given higher places in the search rankings and from 2018 onwards google has flagged websites which do not have an SSL/TLS Certificate installed.
The most popular browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox punish websites that do not have an SSL Certificate with a ‘Not Secure’ warning clearly displayed next to the URL. This results in unsecure websites receiving less visitors and fewer conversions such as purchases or enquires.
With Google and its partners being committed to web safety we predict the security of websites to be of increasing importance to your business operations, and rightly so.
5 reasons to add an SSL to your website
SSL Protects Data
As mentioned above the core offering of an SSL certificate is to protect communication between Server & Client. This is achieved by encrypting all data that is sent between the client and the server, only the intended recipient has the keys to unlock the data into useable material.
This can keep data such as ID’s, Passwords, credit card numbers etc safe from hackers and cyber criminals who can cause business destroying damage including –
Selling your data to other criminals
Identity theft (of you or your customers)
Account takeovers with login details
Extorsion Ransom and Phishing Attacks
SSL Provides Authentication
Identify verification is one of the most important aspects for web security, SSL provides authentication to a website. The internet is a deceptive place and authentication goes some way to ensuing accountability.
Depending on your type of certification, which we’ll cover in another article, you’ll be required to prove your identity to can a trust indicator. When users se this trust indicator they know that they are talking to the right people.
Higher Search Engine Rankings
Improves Trust in Your Business
This is arguably the driving factor behind many websites add an SSL certificate. As shown in this study by Growth Manifesto, adding an SSL Certificate can increase your websites conversion rates by up to 87%. Customers can easily recognise the SSL icons and are assured that their data will be safe and secure.
If you’ve installed OV or EV SSL then the visitor will be able to see your business details and confirm that you are a legit entity, thus they’re far more likely to do business with you.
Comply With The Law
Every business should be staying on the right side of the law. For your business to receive online payments your website must be PCI compliant, no ifs, no buts about it you’ll be breaking the law without an SSL Certificate.
The Payment Card Industry Compliance sets out 12 primary requirements of a website in order to take payments, having an SSL is one of these.
How do I check my SSL?
Chances are you’ve already checked to see if your website has an SSL certificate.
If not, visit your website and check the icon to the left of the URL. If you see a padlock, great, you’re all set. Cardiff Web Designer can help you setting up and check your SSL.
If you see another symbol such as an ‘i’ or ‘Not Secure’ then you need to prioritise adding an SSL certificate to your website. Give us a call or drop us a line and we’ll quickly and easily provide and/or install your SSL certificate. All of our hosting customers already enjoy access to our free SSL.
