This article is for anyone who either owns a website or is planning to design a website or want to make a website. In the present day and age where online transactions, data sharing, and communication are part of everyday life, securing your website is important. One of the most effective and widely used methods to have an SSL certificate for a website.
What is an SSL Certificate?
The full form of SSL is Secure Sockets Layer. It is a security protocol that creates an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser. This ensures that all data transmitted between the server and browser remains private and integral. The simple way to identify if the website is secure is to check the URL. When a website has SSL enabled, its URL starts with “https://” instead of “http://”. You’ll often see a padlock icon in the address bar. This is a signal to users that the site is secure and their information is protected.
How Does SSL Work?
SSL works by using encryption algorithms to scramble data in transit, preventing hackers from reading it as it’s sent over the internet. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it works:
- First of all the browser connects to a secured website (https://).
- The server shares its SSL certificate with the browser.
- The browser checks if the certificate is valid and trusted.
- Once the connection is verified an encrypted connection is established.
Data transferred between the server and browser is encrypted. As a result you get better security in comparison to unsecured websites.
Things that make SSL important
Here is the list of key points that make installing an SSL certificate very important for websites.
SSL ensures that sensitive data such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal details are encrypted and can’t be intercepted or tampered with.
It Builds Trust among Users
It may look psychological but when a user visits the site and sees the lock symbol he or she feels protected. On the other hand a “Not Secure” warning raises red flags. A secure site increases customer confidence. Users are more likely to share information or make purchases on a site that shows the secure https:// prefix and padlock icon. Therefore, whether you want to make an ecommerce website or looking for a corporate website development plan use it. Ask your developer to install an SSL certificate.
SEO Rankings
Google favors secure websites and it is the most famous search tool on the internet with global presence. Therefore, SSL is a confirmed ranking factor, so having SSL can also help boost your website’s visibility on search engines.
Enables PCI Compliance
If your website accepts online payments, SSL is mandatory to meet Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). No payment gateway company approves your application if the SSL certificate is not installed.
Protects Against Phishing
SSL certificates help users verify that they are on the correct site and not a fraudulent duplicate, reducing the risk of phishing attacks.
How to Get an SSL Certificate
You can purchase this from a Certificate Authority (CA). Some popular names for CAs include DigiCert, Sectigo, and GlobalSign. The cost may be a bit different. There are affordable solutions also available depending on the size and scale of your website.
In short SSL is a critical component of modern website security. It also protects your users, builds trust, and enhances your search engine rankings. Sometimes it is part of the standard compliance when working with large corporations. Whether you own a blog website, e-commerce store, or corporate site, installing and maintaining an SSL certificate should be a top priority. If you order from Software Ocean, all the website development plans come with an SSL certificate as standard inclusion.