If you’re not familiar with websites, talking about installing an SSL certificate or the HTTPS protocol might seem a little strange.
If you’re not sure what it’s all about, what it’s for, or whether you really need one for your website, don’t worry. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the importance and benefits of installing an SSL certificate on your website.
What is the purpose of the SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, used to describe the cryptographic mechanism developed to increase the security of data shared on the web. By installing an SSL certificate, your site’s URL changes from HTTP to HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). You’ll then see a green padlock next to the URL, indicating that the site is secure.
The purpose of an SSL certificate is to add an extra level of protection to your website through cryptography.
Imagine that each letter in this text is printed on square-backed paper, with each square containing only one letter or punctuation special database mark. If someone mixes up all the letters, it will be impossible to write the text exactly as it is now.
Cryptography follows this logic: when someone enters a credit card number on an SSL-enabled site to be shared on the web, the numbers are encrypted and scrambled. This way, if a hacker hacks into the connection between the site and the user looking for data, they won’t be able to translate it.
5 reasons to install an SSL Certificate on your website
You may be thinking that installing an SSL certificate isn’t necessary because your site has few visitors, you have a website that doesn’t conduct business, or you simply don’t need as much protection because it’s a small blog.
To eliminate these and other objections, here are five reasons why your site should have an SSL Certificate:
1. Low cost
Installing an SSL certificate doesn’t require a large investment. If your website is hosted with HostGator, for example, you’ll have the option of using a free SSL security certificate. If your website requires a more robust certificate, you can purchase one at a low cost. Remember that regardless of your website’s segment, improving security will only bring benefits.
2. Easy installation
Installation is relatively easy and can be done directly by your hosting provider. At HostGator, for example, you must access the customer portal, select the type of certificate you want to purchase, and enter your website’s URL. After limited opportunities and low growth ceiling completing these steps, we will notify you via email when the certificate is active. Once the installation is complete, your site will automatically switch to displaying in HTTPS.
3. Google recommends it
Security is a priority, as evidenced by the fact that internet browsers now notify users about insecure pages. Google, for example, with its Chrome browser, prioritizes website rankings with an SSL certificate. This ensures that secure pages are displayed in its search results for its users. So, sooner or later, you’ll need to install an SSL certificate to maintain your website’s credibility. Since cyberattacks cause billions of dollars in losses worldwide, SSL is the most basic level of security for a website.
You may also be interested in other security layers such as CodeGuard .
4. Users expect it
Have you heard of user experience? Your site must meet the expectations of those who will use it, and two factors greatly influence how long people stay on a page: load time and security. Just as a slow site is problematic , so is an insecure one. After fax list all, the public lacks trust in the information, is afraid to share anything, and your brand loses credibility.
5. Security
Did you know that some features are only available to sites with an SSL certificate? There are APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that can only be used when the site has HTTPS.
These are resources that can be installed on your site to attract attention or direct your audience, and even improve your site’s search engine ranking. One example is geolocation, which is very useful for local businesses.
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