Articles on: Advanced Account Features

5 Key Reasons Why You Need SSL for Your Website

Here are the 5 main reasons why you need to purchase Security Socket Layer (SSL) for your website:

SSL Encrypts Data
The primary role of an SSL certificate is to encrypt server-client communication. On installing SSL, every bit of information is securely protected. In layman’s terms, the data is locked and can only be unlocked by the intended recipient (browser or server) as no one else can have the key to open it. As such, this helps to protect sensitive data such as IDs, passwords, credit card numbers, etc. thus preventing potential eavesdropping by mischievous army of hackers. As the data is turned into the undecipherable format by SSL, hacker’s skills prove to be an edgeless sword against the unsurpassable encryption technology of SSL certificates.

SSL Affirms Your Identity
The second primary task of an SSL certificate is to provide authentication to a website. Identity verification is one of the most important aspects as far as web security is concerned. There is no doubt about the fact that the internet is increasingly deceptive nowadays with scams and phishing related incidents. There have been cases in which people have lost thousands of dollars on fake websites. This is where SSL certificate comes into play.

When you want to install an SSL certificate, you must go through a validation process set by an independent third party called a Certificate Authority (CA) in which the CA verifies your identity and your organization (depending on the type of the certificate). Once your identity have been proven, your website gets trust indicators vouching for your integrity. When users see them, they know who they’re talking to.

Think of this as verified Facebook accounts. The only difference here is that you are required to verify your identity for the website instead of Facebook account. Such verification makes sure that no imposter creates a fake website pretending to be yours. In technical terms, this is called Phishing. Thus, SSL helps to drive visitors to your real website, saves users from frauds and enhances your reputation.

Improved Search Engine Ranking
Back in 2014, Google have made changes to its algorithm in order to give extra advantage to HTTPS-enabled websites. This has been evident in various studies conducted by SEO experts around the world. One such study conducted by Brian Dean, founder of Backlinko.com shows a strong correlation between HTTPS and higher search engine rankings.

If you own a website, would you give this golden opportunity to pass by?

SSL Helps You Satisfy PCI/DSS Requirements
If you accept online payments, you must know a thing or two about PCI/DSS requirements. To receive online payments, your website must be PCI compliant. Having an SSL certificate installed is one of the 12 primary requirements set by the payment card industry (PCI).

Therefore, SSL is essential—whether you want it or not.

SSL Improves Customer Trust
Apart from encryption and authentication, SSL certificates are vital from a customer trust point of view because SSL gives users the trust that the data they send will be secured. And if you’ve installed an Organization Validation (OV) or Extended Validation (EV SSL), they can see your organization’s details. Once they know that you’re a legitimate entity, they’re far more likely to do business with you or even revisit your site.

Updated on: 01/02/2019

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