WHAT IS AN SSL CERTIFICATE?
Every day, SSL Certificates secure millions of peoples’ data on the Internet, most often during online transactions or when transmitting confidential information. An SSL Certificate makes sure that all data sent from the user’s browser to the website’s server is secure. Without an SSL, your site is not able to establish a secure, encrypted connection.
An SSL creates a secure connection between the Server and User, and encrypts data sent.
SO…WHY DO I NEED A SECURE CONNECTION?
An SSL Certificate encrypts data you transfer on your website, translating any information entered to make it indecipherable. There are a number of computers the data can pass through before it reaches the server. If your information is not encrypted, any data a user fills out is stored as plain text. Any computer along the way can access this data! This means any entered email addresses, usernames, passwords, credit card information, or your first pet’s name can all be compromised without an SSL certificate.
An SSL Certificate also boosts your Search Engine ranking, helping you appear higher on the results page when someone is searching for your site.
Since July 1, 2018, Google has been taking steps to make the web a safer place by marking sites without an SSL certificate as “Not Secure”. If your site hasn’t been marked yet, it will be soon, and this can negatively affect people finding you when they are searching on Google.
HOW DO I TELL IF I ALREADY HAVE AN SSL?
Visit your site and check out the search bar at the top! An SSL Certificate is marked by a lock icon before the URL.
Example of a site’s URL that does not have an SSL Certificate.
Example of a Secure Site URL.
DO I REALLY NEED AN SSL?
If you are accepting payment information on your site, you definitely need an SSL. As an online vendor, it is your duty to make sure the information you collect does not fall into the wrong hands. An SSL will protect you and your customers by making sure that no one can intercept and misuse their information.
With the advancement of technology, cyber-criminals are able to track and use information easier than ever before. Having an SSL will help your business’ online reputation, increase your Google ranking when someone is searching for you, but most importantly–keep your user’s information safe.
So–yeah! You should get an SSL.