What Is An SSL Certificate And Why Should Your Website Have One?
An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a type of security protocol that is used to establish a secure and encrypted connection between a web server and a web browser. This connection is necessary to protect sensitive information such as credit card numbers, login credentials, and personal information that is transmitted over the internet.
When you see a website with “https” in the URL, that means it has an SSL certificate installed. The “s” at the end of “https” stands for “secure.” The SSL certificate ensures that any data exchanged between the web server and the web browser is encrypted, making it unreadable by third parties who may intercept the transmission. This provides a secure and private connection, which is essential when sensitive information is being transmitted.
There are many benefits of using an SSL certificate on your website, including the following:
Security: An SSL certificate encrypts all data exchanged between the web server and the web browser, making it more secure and less susceptible to cyber attacks and hacking.
Trust: Websites with SSL certificates are more trusted by users and search engines. This is because it is a sign that the website is legitimate and takes security seriously.
Search engine ranking boost: Google has announced that it gives a slight ranking boost to websites that have SSL certificates installed.
Compliance: Many industries and governments require the use of SSL certificates for websites that handle sensitive information.
Consumer protection: An SSL certificate helps to protect the personal information of your customers, which can help to build trust and loyalty.
In conclusion, an SSL certificate is a necessary security measure for any website that handles sensitive information. It helps to encrypt data, establish trust, improve search engine rankings, meet compliance requirements and protect consumer’s personal information. It’s important to note that the use of SSL certificate is not only recommended but also becoming a requirement for many websites as the internet is becoming more and more security-conscious.