Why Using An SSL Certificate Is So Important

An SSL Certificate is worldwide security technology that secures the communication between a web browser and a web server so it’s invisible to unauthorised users. It confirms the identity of a website, protects private information and lets users know that the site is legitimate, secure and trustworthy. A website with an SSL certificate tells us that the website has a verified owner, and that the information transferred has been encrypted, and also prevents scammers from accessing it. To show the connection is secure, a padlock icon appears in the browser. The website domain (address) also shows https:// instead of http://.

To obtain an SSL certificate, you need to request one from your web hosting service. A trusted Certificate Authority issues the SSL once they have verified your identity or domain. The SSL certificate must be installed before you go live, especially if you will be using sensitive data, such as your customers’ banking details, address and passwords. When your customers visit your website, they can check how secure it is by clicking the padlock icon in the address bar. The first thing they will notice is the https://. They will also be able to verify your site’s domain name, the SSL certificate issuing authority and whether the certificate is valid.

Using SSL across all platforms will ensure your visitors are guaranteed consistent security. This improves customer trust, protects sensitive information and ensures your website is compliant with global security standards.

What An SSL Certificate Does

• It authenticates your website’s identity and ensures customers connect to the correct server.
• It encrypts private data, such as login and payment details, as well as other personal information.
• Its padlock icon shows visitors your site has an active SSL certificate. If you don’t have this, browsers can give users a warning that discourages them from visiting your site.
• SSL certificates are also essential for SEO: search engines consider whether you have one or not, and won’t rank your site without one.

Why An SSL Certificate Matters

With an SSL certificate, your sensitive information is safe. Customers must use HTTPS in the address bar to reach your site, and the padlock shows that your site is trustworthy, so they’re content to purchase in your online store. Without an SSL, customers are unlikely to buy. That mistrust leads to you losing sales, and it also shows Google that your site isn’t secure. These days, an SSL certificate isn’t an option; it’s a necessity. Sites without it are flagged, and customers look for any warning signs that your website isn’t secure.

When Should You Use An SSL Certificate?

You need an SSL Certificate to do the following:

• To secure any information that is transferred between your customer’s browser and your website’s server.
• To ensure data is secure when you’re transferring it over an internal intranet.
• For securing the transfer of information between mobile devices.
• To ensure information is safe when you transfer it from a private email address.
• To secure data being transferred between two servers, both internal (company intranets) and external.
• Securing information transferred that is sent and received via mail servers.

Does This Website Have An SSL Certificate?

Don’t reveal your password details or any credit card or banking details before you’ve checked that the website you’re using has an SSL certificate. If it’s secure, then your personal information is encrypted and protected. If it’s not, your information could be intercepted.

 Here’s a quick checklist to check whether a website has a valid SSL certificate and your connection is secure:

1.  The URL starts with https://, not http://. The “s” in HTTPS means “secure”. Remember: HTTP sends information in plain text; this means anyone on the same network can read it. HTTPS adds an extra layer of security by scrambling the information, so it’s only understandable by your browser and the site’s server. When sites use only HTTP, browsers realise there isn’t an SSL certificate, and they show a warning that says “Not Secure” in the address bar.
2.  You will see a padlock icon in the address bar, right next to the URL. This tells you immediately whether a website is secure or not. The padlock icon often appears to the left of the URL, but this differs according to whether you’re using Safari, Firefox or Edge. Chrome doesn’t use a padlock icon; they have replaced this with a Tune If there is no padlock or Tune icon, or you see a warning triangle, either the site has no SSL certificate, or it does, but there is a problem with the certificate. Don’t share any private information on that site in this case.
3.  You can click the padlock and view the details about the SSL certificate, including when and by whom it was issued, and when it expires.

When A Website Doesn’t Have SSL

A website without an SSL certificate immediately displays a browser warning. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all display a label saying, “Not Secure” in the address bar to inform you the site is unprotected. This makes customers avoid purchasing from your site, as it tells them your site isn’t trustworthy. Any information sent from the customer to your browser is visible, including passwords, banking and card details, addresses, etc. If you’re on public WiFi, your security is even more limited, and people can easily intercept your data and use it illegally for phishing, scams, etc. Remember: spending a few seconds checking the site’s security can save you money and unnecessary anguish.

How Long Do SSL’s Last?

Usually, SSL certificates are valid for a maximum of 397 days (that’s a little over a year). The certificate expires after this and must be renewed. The moment it is invalid, browsers show security warnings, and any data sent isn’t encrypted. Luckily, many hosting companies that provide users with SSL certificates are great at ensuring you renew yours in time. Auto-renewal is often included in hosting plans, which makes it simpler for you to stay secure. So, when you choose a hosting plan, check not only that an SSL certificate is included; ensure auto-renewal is also part of the plan.

How Safe Is A Website with SSL?

Even with an SSL certificate, your website isn’t completely secure. Remember, scammers and phishing are rife, which means that a certificate and a padlock icon aren’t always enough. Phishing sites are designed to look secure, and many even use HTTPS. So, ensure you check the SSL certificate. Make this the first thing you do before purchasing anything and revealing any sensitive information.

This is what you need to check for:

•  Check the domain name and ensure it is spelt correctly. Watch for added characters in the domain name.
•  Look at the site carefully: does it have a contact page with genuine business details?
•  If you’re still unsure, look online for information about the company and its website to see if there are any complaints or bad reviews.

Acquiring An SSL Certificate for Your Website

The simplest way to get an SSL certificate is through your hosting provider. As we mentioned earlier, most hosting providers offer SSL certificates as part of their plans. When you register and pay, and your site goes live, the SSL certificate is automatically activated on your site. You don’t have pay for this separately; the hosting provider does everything for you.

 An SSL certificate is essential for personal websites, those containing blogs, and business sites. But if you intend to include an online store or handle sensitive customer information, you need more security.

For this, you can acquire a Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificate, which offers stronger security. It’s a step up: it verifies not only that you have an SSL certificate, but also that you own your domain. This extra layer of security shows even more credibility.