Why is an SSL Certificate Important for My Website
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by Sandy Waggett
- 2 min reading time
Many of our clients ask, 'I don't understand what an SSL does for my website. Can you explain it to me?' Absolutely, and it's an important question because the security of your website impacts not just your business, but also your visitors.
What is SSL?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It's a security protocol that creates an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser. This encryption ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral.
Why is SSL Important?
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Encrypts Sensitive Information: The primary reason SSL is used is to keep sensitive information sent across the Internet encrypted so that only the intended recipient can access it. This is important because the information you send on the Internet is passed from computer to computer to get to the destination server. Any computer between you and the server can see your credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, and other sensitive information if it is not encrypted with an SSL certificate.
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Protects Against Cyber Threats: SSL certificates also provide a layer of security against cyber threats by establishing a secure connection to prevent criminals from reading or modifying information transferred between sites and users.
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Builds Trust and Credibility: Websites with SSL certificates show a padlock icon or “https://” in the browser's address bar, signaling to visitors that their connection is secure. This visual cue helps build trust, showing visitors that you value their privacy and security.
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SEO Benefits: Google gives a ranking boost to secure HTTPS websites. This means having an SSL certificate can help your website rank higher in search results, driving more traffic to your site.
How Does SSL Work?
When you activate an SSL certificate on your web server, you will be prompted to complete a series of questions about the identity of your website and your company. Your web server then creates two cryptographic keys - a Private Key and a Public Key.
- The Public Key does not need to be secret and is placed into a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) - a data file also containing your details. You should then submit this CSR to the Certification Authority that will validate your details and issue the SSL Certificate.
- Your web server will then match your issued SSL Certificate to your Private Key. This means that your web server will be able to establish an encrypted link between the website and your customer's web browser.
In essence, an SSL certificate is not just a luxury; it's a critical component of website security and credibility. It protects sensitive data, shields against cyber threats, builds trust among your visitors, and even helps with your site's SEO. If your website doesn't yet have an SSL certificate, it's a wise and necessary step to take for your online presence.
