SSL Certificates: Do You Really Need One?
What does good security for your website mean nowadays? How has it evolved? This is an excellent question if you are considering updating your website; website security has now been enhanced with various platforms and systems, and one of the most crucial requirements a website now needs is an SSL certificate.
The SSL certificate basically changes your URL root - what was once http:// will become https://.
But what does this small but significant sign really mean? How does it affect your website's security and, more importantly, do you really need it?
Here's the low-down on SSL certificates:
What it is?
If a visitor goes to a website and sees http:// on the website's browser bar, this means that it doesn't have an SSL certificate.
In the past, this was quite acceptable, and we'd often see websites like this. Now however, a simple HTTP connection is now seen as insecure. This is because information transferred via HTTP can be highly vulnerable, prone to becoming tampered with, stolen, or misused. The fact is that your visitors deserve a site which will not put their information at risk.
If you install an SSL certificate on your site, then visitors will automatically see https:// on the browser bar, which indicates that there is an encrypted connection. In essence, this encrypted connection shows that your server is properly authenticated, and any data transmitted is protected during transit.
The benefits of an SSL certificate:
Establish Trust
If you have ever attempted to visit a website and encountered the warning phrase 'Not secure', did this put you off from going any further? In the same way, any visitor to your site who encounters such a phrase may be wary of exploring your website more.
If you don’t want to lose site traffic and you would like to establish trust from the beginning with your visitors, then an SSL certificate is a brilliant way to do so.
Enhance Website Performance
Slow sites are a thing of the past nowadays, and a slow loading website can be a real detriment to your site traffic and the retention of visitors. The fact that you need an encrypted connection to have fast speed and various security features is more than enough proof of its definite advantage.
Increase Website Ranking
For Google, SSL certification is a significant factor when it comes to a site’s ranking, and Google prioritises websites which have a secure HTTPS connection. If you aim to go further than your competition in Google’s search rankings, you should seriously consider encrypting every website page.
Better Validation for your Business
This is in line with establishing trust. If you want your enterprise to be seen as stable and secure and you want to encourage the development of crucial business relationships online, then an HTTPS connection is vital. An SSL certificate will validate the authenticity of your website – and your business – which enhances clients' trust.
SSL certificates are just one of the many considerations outside of aesthetics that can affect the way people respond to your site. So be sure to find a web designer who will also advise you on everything that can impact your site’s performance.
At it'seeze Web Design Bristol, we're happy to discuss website security with you, and can even run a free health check on your existing website to let you see how it's performing for you. Just get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more about how we can help.
Tagged as: Security
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