So, you’re thinking about getting one of those SSLs you’ve been hearing about. Good call. You wouldn’t drive a car without a seatbelt. Or poke a sleeping bear. Or stare straight into an eclipse without protective eyewear.
Or maybe you would. We’re not here to judge.
But getting an SSL for your website is just as essential. In fact, it’s a necessity.
So should you get one for your site? Read on to discover 3 reasons why you need SSL.
What is SSL?
Great question. And chances are, you visit websites all the time with SSL, and don’t even know it.
Ever notice that some URLs start with http://, while others start with https://?
You might notice that extra ‘s’ when browsing sites ask for sensitive information – like your credit card details or home address.
That tiny little ‘s’ is an SSL – Secure Sockets Layer. It means that your connection to that website is secure and encrypted. So any information you enter is totally safe.
In technical terms, SSL is small data files that cryptographically establish an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser stays private.
So why is it so important?
It protects data
It might be a no-brainer, but protecting your users’ information should be your highest priority.
A common way for a hacker to steal data is by placing a small, undetected listening program on a server hosting a website. That program will wait until a visitor starts entering information. It then activates and captures the information to send back to the hacker.
But with an SSL, a browser will form a connection with the webserver, look at the SSL certificate, then bind the browser and the server. This binding connection is secure, so no one but you and the website can access what you type.
Pretty impressive, huh?
It verifies your identity
Protecting data is definitely SSL’s main gig. But it also provides authentication to a website.
In an era of catfishing, you can forgive people for wanting to verify your identity. In fact, in 2018, internet-enabled theft, fraud, and exploitation were responsible for a massive $2.7 billion in financial losses.
When you apply for an SSL certificate, you must go through a validation process set by a Certificate Authority (CA). The CA then verifies the identity of you and your organization.
So when users notice that little ‘s’ in your URL, they know they are using a legitimate website from a credible company.
It improves your SEO
Is there anything we wouldn’t do for SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. And it’s what helps your website be seen on search engines.
Read: 3 SEO mistakes you need to avoid in 2020
In 2014, Google made changes to its algorithm to favor HTTPS-enabled websites. This means that websites with SSL are more likely to rank higher than those without one.
So do you want to get on Google’s elusive first page? Then get that SSL!
We’re helping businesses get on the first page of Google with smart and engaging SEO and SSL tactics and strategies. Do you want to be on the first page of Google? Book a free consultation with Southern Digital Consulting today.