Why do I need SSL for my Website?

Have you ever wondered why your website needs an SSL certificate? As a small business owner, you might not even be aware that you need it.

Back in February 2018, the Google Security Blog posted The Secure Web is Here to Stay. The blog explains Google’s decision to start “advocating that sites adopt HTTPS encryption.” Did you know that Google Chrome now marks pages as “not secure” if they lack the encryption and Google has even begun to prioritize websites with an SSL certificate over those without one?

What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, which is a form of security for website data which protects information when you browse the web. An SSL certificate is a file placed in your website’s root directory and verifies that you own your website. Information that is exchanged between the browser (user) and the server (website) is encrypted using this certificate.

There are a few reasons to have an SSL certificate:

1. Online Payments – Credit card companies require you use SSL if you collect credit card information to protect customer data
2. Web Forms – To ensure any personal information collected on your site (Contact Info or Login Info) is protected
3. Search Engine Ranking – Google prioritizes secure sites

How can I tell if my site is secure? Do I need SSL for my website?

Look for a lock in your browser window to the left of the URL. If you see a “lock” icon, you can click on it to see more information about the website and it’s certificate. If the website is Not Secure, you will be warned in your browser and Google Chrome will even restrict you from visiting insecure websites.

Simply put, having a SSL certificate is essential for any website. Contact TACTIX5 today to get a secure website today. Need more than a secure website? TACTIX5 is your tactical marketing agency and we can help get your marketing ready to deploy.

Jesse Bickerton, TACTIX5, November 2018

Sources

https://security.googleblog.com/2018/02/a-secure-web-is-here-to-stay.html

https://www.sslshopper.com/why-ssl-the-purpose-of-using-ssl-certificates.html

https://ca.godaddy.com/blog/website-need-ssl-certificate/