What is an SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that creates a security protocol that encrypts links between a web server and a web browser. An SSL certificate authenticates a website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection.
Companies and organizations need to add SSL certificates to their websites to secure online transactions and keep customer information private and secure. For several years now, organizations like Google have been working toward making the web a safer place by encouraging website owners to use the HTTPS protocol that ensures the data sent from your computer to the site you’re browsing is encrypted and securely transmitted.
Here are some reasons why you need an SSL certificate for your website security
Encryption: SSL encrypts the data that is sent between a user’s web browser and your website. This ensures that any sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal data is kept safe from hackers and cybercriminals. This encryption ensures that any sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal data, cannot be intercepted and read by unauthorized third parties.
Trust: SSL certificate creates a trust relationship between the website and the user. This trust is established by displaying the padlock icon and the “https” in the website URL, indicating that the website is secure and legitimate. When you have an SSL certificate, your website is marked as “secure” in the user’s web browser. This gives users confidence that your website is legitimate and trustworthy.
SEO: Google and other search engines give higher rankings to websites that have SSL certificates. This means that having an SSL certificate can help improve your website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Compliance: Many data protection laws, such as GDPR and CCPA, require website owners to protect user data. An SSL certificate is one of the best ways to meet these requirements. SSL certificate helps website owners comply with these laws and avoid penalties.
Authentication: SSL certificate verifies the identity of the website and the server, ensuring that users are not communicating with an imposter site or server. This authentication process prevents phishing attacks and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Overall, Having an SSL certificate for your website is a crucial component of website security, providing encryption, authentication, trust, SEO benefits, and compliance with data protection laws.