An SSL certificate prevents sensitive information from being seen by a third party, the information becomes unreadable to everyone except for the server you are sending the information to. When you’re online; any computer between you and the server can see your credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, and other sensitive information if it is not encrypted with an SSL certificate.
So is an SSL computer necessary for your website? Here are a few questions that can guide you to your answer…
Does your website sell products?
If the answer to that question is yes, then you definitely need an SSL certificate installed on your website. If you are taking credit card payments directly on your website, you will need an SSL certificate to encrypt your customers’ credit card information. In certain circumstances you might not need one, like for instance if you are using PayPal, since customers won’t be paying you directly, however having an SSL certificate will add an extra layer of trust that is crucial for your business.
Do visitors to your site submit sensitive information via forms?
If visitors to your website are submitting personal information on your website then you will need to find a way to protect that information. Having an SSL in place will help you do that.
Is your website just a blog?
Blogs don’t usually require SSL certificates, because there is hardly any sensitive information that needs to be protected aside from the blog content and posts. However SSL certificates are becoming more common place, so even if you don’t need that extra layer of security it will give your website a more professional appearance, the same way a self hosted and unique domain name does. As a brand or even a public persona, having an SSL certificate on your website will give you that extra boost of professionalism, it will show that you are serious, trustworthy and relevant.
Here are some of the advantages of having an SSL certificate on your website:
- SSL Certificates Secure the Transfer of Data
It’s important to secure data that’s submitted to your web server from your users – especially if that data is sensitive in nature. Whether a user on your website is submitting a contact form, login form, or credit card information, it’s vital to keep their data safe with an SSL certificate.
- An SSL Certificate has SEO Benefits
Google’s search algorithm gives a boost to your website in their search rankings when it has an SSL certificate. It might not be noticeable, but it’s one of the many factors Google takes into consideration when calculating where in search results your website should land.
- SSL Certificates Earn Your Users’ Trust
Hackers are constantly searching for vulnerable websites online, especially plain HTTP websites. Having an SSL certificate will provide you with the protection you need, as well as authentication that users will trust. When a user sees an SSL certificate, they can have confidence that their data is secure when it makes it’s way to your web server. SSL certificates add credibility and confidence to your website.
Long story short; SSL certificates are an absolute must for your website. Got any questions about how to activate or where to get SSL certificates? Drop us a comment below or get in touch with the team.