The internet has developed drastically in the past decade. Users rely more and more on it to purchase goods and services, send or receive private information, and store a variety of documents. With this increased reliance comes concern for security. The growth of the internet has produced ever-increasing opportunities for hacks and identity thefts, leading users to become more aware of online security matters. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a commonly-used method to ensure that traffic on your website, both incoming and outgoing, is safe from security hazards. SSL technology establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. The encrypted link ensures that all data passed between the server and browser remains private and secure.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL connection requires an SSL Certificate, which authenticates the identity of a server or website. A Certificate is issued only after an applicant passes the rigorous verification procedure. It indicates to users that your website is reliable and protected. Essentially, the Certificate acts as a gatekeeper, allowing an SSL connection only to sites known to be safe. A website without an SSL Certificate opens users to the risk of having their data stolen or intercepted by hackers who might obtain usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. On sites lacking SSL Certificates, there is also the danger that the site has been set up by hackers in order to steal information.
Google now requires SSL Certification
For years, Google has sought ways to encourage the implementation of SSL Certificates. As of October 2017, Google has imposed a mandatory SSL-Certificate requirement in order to make the web-browsing experience safer for users. Any website with text must obtain an SSL Certificate, and SSL-certified sites are now identified by a green lock icon in the address bar. In addition, on Google’s Chrome browser, the word “Secure” will appear in the address bar when a user enters data on a certified site. If a site does not have an SSL Certificate, a red “Not Secure” warning will appear in the address bar instead.
Benefits of SSL Certification
As Google’s mandatory SSL-Certificate requirement becomes established, internet users will become more aware of its benefits. When visiting any site, users will look to see if the site is designated as “Secure,” in order to feel comfortable that the site is authentic and trustworthy and that any personal data will be encrypted.
Encryption: One of the most important benefits of SSL is that it encrypts all your sensitive information. Encryption is the process of converting data into an indecipherable code. To understand the importance of this benefit, you must first understand that when you use a website, there are various points on the internet between your browser and the website’s server that potentially allow access to personal information, such as your credit card number, user name, and password. But a website with an SSL Certificate prevents anyone other than you and the certified website server from accessing that private information. SSL encryption works by inserting random characters into the original information, making it incomprehensible without the proper encryption key. Serving as the backbone of a secure internet, SSL encryption provides the critical security and data integrity users need to protect themselves from identity theft. Customers visiting your site need to know their information is safe and an SSL Certificate provides this sense of comfort.
Authentication: In addition to encrypting sensitive information, SSL authenticates the web server. It is vital that users feel certain their sensitive personal information is being sent to an authentic and trustworthy website. An SSL Certificate assures a user that any personal information provided to the website will be viewed only by those intended to receive it. The authentication process begins when a user’s browser retrieves your site’s SSL Certificate for proper verification. The browser analyzes the Certificate information and determines that the certificate is not expired and that the target site is to be trusted.
Indicators of Trustworthiness: Perhaps the most important benefit of SSL Certification is the way it provides visual indication to users that your site is trustworthy. Visual cues, like the green lock icon, tell users that their connection is secure. This small icon will become essential to increasing the traffic on your website. Once you have an SSL Certificate, your site URL will start with “https” instead of “http,” another indicator of trustworthiness. Websites with these indicators are more likely to have increased and continuous levels of use. In addition, on Chrome browsers, the word “Secure” will appear in the address bar when a user enters data on your site, rather than the “Not Secure” warning that appears on sites without SSL Certification.
Clients who visit your website need to feel a sense of comfort and reliability. An SSL Certificate will give visitors a high degree of security, increasing the likelihood they will become loyal clients. GetLegal can help you obtain an SSL Certificate for your firm’s website. To receive a quote and further information, call GetLegal today.