People are online more than ever because of the latest mobile technology and high internet speeds. They visit different websites throughout the day, from ordering stuff online to transferring their money worldwide. However, sharing personal information like credit card numbers, social security numbers, or contact details online can put a user in danger if the site is not secure (or does not use an SSL certificate).
Everyone wants to keep their personal information safe when sharing it on a website while purchasing something online or doing something else. That’s why internet users’ security and privacy should be a major concern for a website owner.
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL is the short form of secure socket layer, a standard security technology used by webmasters and site owners to encrypt communications and other data between the user’s browser and a website. Without using an SSL certificate, all communications and details between the site and the user are in plain text that can easily be read by any third party, which can cause problems like identity theft or illegal use of personal information.
Sites using SSL certificates usually start with HTTPS and ensure that all the data and information passed between the web server and browsers remains private and secure.
5 Reasons to Install SSL Certificate on Your Website
There are a lot of reasons why you should make your site secure by using an SSL certificate, and a few of them are listed below
1- Google is Forcing you to Install an SSL Certificate
One of the major reasons why you need an SSL certificate is that Google wants your site to be HTTPS. As Google always sends a massive number of visitors to your website or online store, you should follow the recommendation of Google to keep your site appearing not only in Google but in other search engines as well. If you still don’t have it on your website, then Google will flag your website as not secure this year by July 2018.
So, it is a wise decision to have an SSL certificate, which completely depends upon the number of domains you have on the server. If for example, there are multiple domains, you need a multi-domain SSL and if you have unlimited subdomains then, you need a wildcard SSL certificate. The price of this certificate relies on the validation type and number of extra domains you need to secure.
This started with major online stores and e-commerce sites, moved on to sites where users enter any kind of data (like credit card numbers and personal contact details), and in July 2018 this will even out for all sites not having SSL certificates (HTTP sites).
2- Enhanced Security
Keep in mind that use of an SSL certificate will not avert your site from being hacked by criminals but it does prevent any internet components or third parties from stealing your user data and information such as their contact details, PINs, credit card numbers and so on.
Making your site HTTPS by using an SSL certificate diminishes the risk to your organization and your customers by encrypting all the communications made between the site server and the user’s browser. In simple words, using an SSL certificate for your website ensures the security and privacy of your organization and users as well.
3- SSL Certificate on your Website Boosts Its Search Engine Ranking
Since the most powerful search engine, Google always prefers and wants to maintain its reputation by making sure that its users are visiting secure sites only; your site will definitely rank higher in search engines if using an SSL certificate.
Google has also started using HTTPS and other authentication protocols as a vital ranking factor. In days to come, having this certificate on the website will become more important for webmasters to rank higher in search engines.
4- Increased Customer Trust
A padlock in the address bar indicates that the connection is secure whenever a user visits an HTTPS website (the site is enabled with an SSL certificate). It builds the customers’ trust in a website or online store.
Visiting an SSL-enabled website makes users feel more secure than ever, as they may need to share personal details there to accomplish a transaction or action. As a result, a website successfully builds trust with its users or visitors, which can lead to an improved conversion rate and sales later.
You may also like to read about the 10 Best SSL Certificate Providers
5- Enhanced User Experience
A secure website is a faster website. Browsers often prioritize HTTPS websites, improving load times and a better user experience. When your website works with such a certificate, it increases user experience and encourages users to stay longer on it and visit often.
Summing It Up
In the current digital environment, an SSL certificate is a requirement rather than an option. It is a modest investment that pays big dividends in terms of security, trust, and online prosperity.
Setting website security as a top priority will protect your clients and your company’s good name and financial health. So, make sure to choose the best one for your website or online store to ensure better security and higher rankings.
