Have you ever spotted a tiny lock icon next to the URL in the address bar of a website? Have you ever wondered why there is an additional ‘s’ in the HTTP of the web address? Don’t know why such an icon is being displayed or why HTTP is replaced by HTTPS in some web addresses?
Well, here is what you need to know. The HTTPS and the padlock sign mean that the website you are currently visiting is protected by SSL. For example, instead of calling the Spectrum 1800 number when you visit their website to subscribe to a TV, voice, or internet package, you can see a padlock sign to the left of the URL address which means the website is safeguarded.
What Is an SSL Certificate?
SSL is an abbreviation of Secure Sockets Layer. In simple words, an SSL certificate is a digital certificate awarded to a website to attest to its authenticity. Through SSL, websites maintain an encrypted link between a web browser and a server to secure online transactions taking place between them. The encryption protocols help keep customer data secure by ensuring a safe internet connection that no outsider can intercept.
Top 5 Reasons for an SSL certificate
If your website does not have an SSL certificate yet, you must be under the potential threat of information theft. If the website is not encrypting the connections, chances of intrusion rise making the website vulnerable to attackers. SSL certificates are important for many reasons some of which have been listed below.
1: Protection From Hackers
One of the crucial benefits of using an encrypted system is that it keeps your website data safe by denying unauthorized access to third parties. The SSL technology establishes a safe and secure connection between two channels by encoding the data. Even if a hacker can reach through, the data won’t be in a readable form rendering it useless for him. Furthermore, with SSL customers become more satisfied that they are in safe hands.
Websites without SSL imply they are not concerned about the protection of critical customer data. When customers visit these websites, they feel threatened and tend to quickly close the site to save themselves. Google has advanced technology that displays a pop-up message when customers visit an unsafe site that is not protected by SSL.
2: Enhanced Brand Reputation
It is considered very unprofessional for companies to not opt for SSL protocol on their e-commerce sites. When a website lacks a proper SSL system, customers take the idea that the brand is not bothered to provide a safe platform for them to make transactions. This leaves a negative impression on the minds of consumers, making them switch to other brands that can provide secure connections for them to communicate.
Through SSL, companies can ensure the safety of credit card details, log in and password information, and so on. When customers feel they are in good hands, they are happier which leads to enhanced customer satisfaction. An SSL-holder website validates the top security standards of a reputable website.
3: Website Authentication
Companies must install proper security measures on their e-commerce sites for better customer turnout. When a user enters a piece of information online, it passes through various channels to reach its final destination. This data is prone to attacks from outsiders who are in search of critical customer data for their motives.
If the information gets stolen. It can be misused for several illegal activities. Not only does this disqualifies the customer’s right to privacy, but it also leads to a negative brand reputation. An SSL certificate can help companies to authorize the entire communication between the website and the customer’s web browser.
4: Higher SEO Rankings
As Google is a responsible company that focuses on enhanced user experience, it announced HTTPS as a major factor that would improve the website ranking. This means that websites that have the SSL certificate will rank higher than those that do not. Websites with SSL have higher chances of appearing on the first pages of SERPs making them more visible to the customers. Whereas websites without SSL certificates will be punished by Google causing the website ranking to go down a steep hill.
5: Improved Browsing Speed
Users are more concerned about online security these days than ever before. With data breaches becoming common, owning an SSL certificate is a must for all websites that wish to stay. With the help of SSL, websites can increase their conversion rates which ultimately enhances sales. It was thought that using SSL could lead to a lower browsing speed, this is not true, however. Modern technology has made HTTPS speeds faster to meet customer requirements. A faster website is much easier to navigate and purchase from.
