The internet is always evolving to provide many opportunities for online activities. Unfortunately, it has attracted the attention of cybercriminals who see it as a means of quick cash such that the more the internet advances, the higher the creativity of such criminals gets. Therefore, to avoid falling victim to the numerous tactics that cybercriminals employ, you should change your website protocol from HTTP to HTTPS to encrypt and protect any data you transmit online. So significant is this move that Google marks any site without an SSL certificate as insecure. Browsers can quickly tell if they are visiting a secure website if the https letters in its URL are green.
What is SSL?
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) has been in use for over two decades, and it encrypts data to secure the transmission between your server and visitor’s browser. Its adoption over the last 20 years has been slow since it was quite complicated to install and was available at a high price that locked out website owners. Fortunately, nowadays you can get one for free and fix it without much of a hassle.
Benefits of SSL
Increased security of your website
The primary function of an SSL certificate is to secure any communication between server and clients. Therefore, upon SSL installation, all information be it login details, payment information or any other personal data undergoes encryption. That way, only the intended recipient can unlock the data which locks out the cybercriminals from misusing your data.
Protect your website’s reputation
SSL offers your site some authentication. Before getting an SSL certificate, you must undergo a validation process carried out by an independent third party known as Certificate Authority or CA. the CA will validate your identity as well as that of your organization before issuing you with a certificate. If you can prove your identity, they will give your website trust indicators to vouch for your integrity and prevent hackers from pretending to be you through a fake website. It facilitates clients to visit your real website which reduces cases of phishing emails. Such emails are usually on fake replica sites and entice people to input credit card information.
Ranks you better in Search engines
Google has since 2014 given HTTPS-enabled websites a slight advantage in rankings. Although it is not a significant boost, it still plays a part in improving your ranking and beating your competitors. After all, it is better to be on the first page, top of the list than on the second page.
Creates trust in your customers
Once a visitor to your website sees the tiny padlock on the browser address bar, they will get reassurance that whatever they will send will be secure. Such trust especially applies when they have to enter their private and sensitive information such as passwords and credit card information. However, once they know you are running a legitimate website, it becomes easier for them to do business on your site. Besides, if your company accepts online payments, you will have to comply with the Payment Card Industry requirements, one of which is getting an SSL installed on your website.
Guarantees safety for your subdomains
SSL certificates are available in different types one of which is the Wildcard that allows you to secure not only your main website but also all other subdomains. With such a feature, this particular SSL becomes more convenient if you run a business or own large sites that have several subdomains. However, only the Wildcard offers this fantastic benefit, and if you chose to install a standard SSL, you would have to install a separate one for each subdomain.
Future-proofing your business
Cybercriminals will never tire to find ways to scam you out of your hard-earned money. You should, therefore, take greater security measures in readiness for their illegal activities. With so many SSL certificates such as EV offering more advanced features, adopting such steps will help protect your business in its online dealings.
Ranking Factor
Having your website secure is undoubtedly a ranking factor in Google’s algorithm. We have seen boosts in traffic based solely on this important signal. If you want SEO implemented on your site, this is essential.
Parting shot
An SSL certificate will go a long way in helping your website retain a significant traffic flow. Besides, with its ability to improve your rankings, you can enjoy better ratings than your competitors which may also translate to more customers. With the many benefits, an SSL certificate offers, you cannot go wrong by installing one on your website today.
