We often get emails from clients telling us they have had their customers let them know they were reluctant to book or buy from their websites as “it is not secure”. What exactly does that mean, and how does it affect your website?
We’ve all visited websites where we get a warning like this one, telling us that the site is not secure. This means that any data we input on that particular website is sent in an unencrypted format and in theory, could easily be intercepted by a hacker.
The easiest way to prevent this, is by purchasing and installing an SSL certificate on your website. Here are the main benefits of having an SSL certificate installed on your website.
An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Certificate is more commonly referred to as an SSL. It’s core function is to protect server-client communication. Once an SSL is installed, every single piece of information is encrypted. To put it in simpler terms, the data is locked and can only be unlocked by the intended recipient (browser or server) as no one else can have the key to open it.
While dealing with sensitive data such as User IDs, passwords, credit card numbers, etc., an SSL helps you protect against the mischievous army of hackers and skimmers. As the data is turned into the undecipherable format by SSL, hacker’s skills prove to be pointless against the encryption technology of SSL certificates.
The second primary task of an SSL certificate is to provide authentication to a website. Identity verification is one of the most important aspects as far as web security is concerned. There is no doubt about the fact that the internet is increasingly deceptive. There have been cases in which people have lost thousands of pounds on fake websites. This is where SSL certificate comes into play.
When you want to install an SSL certificate on your website, it must be configured through a validation process set by an independent third party called a Certificate Authority (CA). Depending on the type of certificate, the CA verifies the identity of you and your business. Once you have proved your identity, your website gets trust indicators vouching for your integrity. When users see them, they know who they’re talking to you and your business only.
We should also mention that having an SSL on your website provides better search engine results?
In 2014, Google made changes to its indexing algorithm in order to give the upper hand to websites that had SSL certificates installed. This has been evident in various studies conducted by SEO experts around the world.
Who doesn’t want to be listed on page one of Google, right?
Having an SSL on your website also improves customers trust. The easy to identify signs inform the users that the data they send will be secured. Users can view the certificate details see your business details. Once they know that you’re a legitimate entity, they’re far more likely to do make a purchase or booking with you through your site.
We can configure and install an SSL for your website with the minimum of fuss. Our Webs team can configure the certificate for either 1 or 2 years, depending on how often you want to renew it. Configuring the SSL for 2 years locks in the current price and avoids any potential price increases that can sometimes occur.
