Security comes first when it comes to online activity. An SSL certificate is a new security standard that uses strong encryption to protect data. But, what is an SSL certificate, and how does it work?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, a protocol for establishing a secure connection. It ensures that any data handled during an online session is secure. Furthermore, it establishes an encrypted data communication channel to ensure that the data is only accessible to authorised users.
A secure website will have a URL that begins with https:// rather than http://, with the “s” denoting that the site is secure. Furthermore, the presence of the padlock icon next to the URL indicates that all activities on your website, from visitor input to server responses, will use a secure connection, preventing personal data theft and abuse.
Due to the use of symmetric and asymmetric encryption, breaching an SSL-secured connection is nearly impossible. When using symmetric encryption, a public key is used to encrypt a message, and a private key is used to decode it. On the other hand, asymmetric encryption uses only public keys for both methods.
Is an SSL certificate essential for my website?
If you only use your website for personal purposes, you may overlook the importance of an SSL certificate. However, it is critical for a website that expects a high volume of visitors. Protecting visitor data is vital, especially considering the EU’s GDPR legislation and South Africa’s POPI Act. For example, you must secure the data transmission process if you run an online business and accept customer payments. Nobody will give their credit card information to an insecure website, which will hurt the bottom line of your online business. As a result, eCommerce systems employ SSL encryption.
Any website that collects visitor information must have SSL certificates enabled. A valid SSL certificate, fortunately, is not expensive and will put your visitors at ease while portraying your website as trustworthy and professional.
The benefits of an SSL certificate
Enhanced security: An SSL-enabled website provides a more secure connection. All information is encrypted during data transmission. This prevents hostile attacks from gaining access to sensitive information.
Ideal for branding: Establish trust and credibility to build a strong brand. Remember that an SSL certificate provides a secure connection for your customers. Clients will be more willing to do business with you if you can guarantee risk-free transactions from start to finish. A data breach would also be disastrous for your company’s reputation.
Improved SEO ranking: Google has declared HTTPS as one of its ranking factors. As a result, installing an SSL certificate on your website may affect your search engine ranking (SERP). It is estimated that SSL-enabled websites account for 50% of first-page results.
Enhanced traffic and sales: Customers are more likely to buy from you if they believe your website will provide a secure purchasing process all the way through. Furthermore, SSL certification allows you to store consumer data adequately.
Getting an SSL certificate
For SSL certificate advice, contact Ipcoweb Digital. Register an SSL certificate with us today to show your users that your site is safe to visit and transact on. SSL certification is quickly becoming the industry standard for secure websites and plays a vital role in how customers find your website.
