Why SSL for my Website ?

Why do I need SSL for my website and what is it anyway? SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer or in layman’s terms, it’s the little padlock icon up at the top of your browser bar. So instead of the url reading just http before the domain name, it should read httpS  This means the link between your web browser and the website you’re trying to visit is safe.

What SSL does for you – and why you should care – is provide the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted, secure link between a web server and your browser. This SSL link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral. SSL verifies ownership of the website, prevents attackers from creating a fake version of the site and gains user trust. SSL is an industry standard and is used by millions of websites in the protection of their online transactions with their customers.

As a small business, your website should be SSL secured. Non-secure websites send and receive unencrypted data which can be monitored, altered or even stolen at various points along the way.

Now if that all just reads to you like geek speak, it’s okay – here’s a short video instead …

SSL Certificates

When people try to visit a non-secure site, their browsers warn them: This connection is not secure! For a business, that looks bad right? It erodes trust. It’s supposed to! Those websites and any interaction with them, can put your personal information at risk.

An SSL certificate is what gives trusted sites the padlock in the address bar. That small lock icon is proof to your visitors that you care about their data. In addition to the padlock, an SSL certificate ensures that all data going to and from your website is encrypted so it can’t be altered or misused. Once installed, your small business website is secured and looks more trustworthy to your customers. Search engines like Google and Bing take this seriously and no longer rank non-SSL websites in their search results.

 

Getting an SSL installed

Installing SSL is simple enough, just call up your web host and tell them you want to be SSL secured. They will then install the required software on the back end of your hosting plan. Some hosting companies provide these free of charge as part of your regular hosting package (as they all should), while others charge additional fees.

Still not convinced?  Imagine if you will, buying a gift for your spouse online. You google, find the perfect gift, compare prices, add it to your shopping cart and head to the checkout. When you get there you see at the top of the screen – This website is NOT SECURE.  So, would you still go ahead and enter your credit card info?  Nope, not in a million right?  Exactly why SSL is so important!

Thanks for reading!