We often get asked, “Do I need an SSL certificate for my website?” In 2018, web browsers started treating sites that are HTTP to load differently than those served over HTTPS or with an SSL certificate.
An SSL certificate encrypts data input by a user or visitor into a website so that it can securely travel from the browser to a web server. Sensitive data such as credit cards, identifying information and confidential information are some of the information that are required to have an SSL certificate. Recently, Google decided that ALL information and data submitted on your website should be secured with an SSL. You can easily identify if a website is secured by looking at the URL bar. If there is a padlock icon or the address starts with HTTPS then there is an SSL on the website.
The majority of websites fully encrypt browsing experience with an SSL. According to W3Tech Surveys, over 55% of websites on the web utilize an SSL certificate to encrypt their traffic. Google’s Chrome browser lead the charge, warning people when they were insecurely browsing. This is a big deal – Chrome is the market leader commanding 70% of the desktop browsing market.
If your website is not e-commerce enabled or does not collect sensitive information you probably might have skipped getting an SSL certificate for your website the last time it was updated. However, with the new browser warnings, it is imperative to ensure every website has an SSL certificate and is loaded via HTTPS.
Why Should I Put an SSL Certificate On My Website?
- SSL Certificates Secure the Transfer of Data
These days everyone is concerned about privacy. Even if you don’t consider the information submitted on your site sensitive, the user might. Whether a user on your website is submitting a contact form, login form, or credit card information, it’s vital to keep their data safe with an SSL certificate. - An SSL Certificate has Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Benefits
Google’s and Bing’s search algorithm gives websites a boost to your site in their search rankings when your website has an SSL certificate. It might not be noticeable, but it’s one of the many factors the search engines takes into consideration when calculating where in search results your website should land. - SSL Certificates Earn Your Users’ Trust
Having an SSL certificate communicates to the user that you are concerned about their privacy and are following the latest technology closely. It will build credibility – what is more important then this when you are trying to establish business with someone?
My Website Isn’t Secure. What Should I Do Next?
Wondering, “Do I need an SSL certificate for my website?” The answer is yes! We are able to help with this.
