What is an SSL Certificate?

Secure Socket Layer, or SSL for short, is a universal standard security technology that encrypts communication between a user’s web browser and a website. The encryption is vital because it prevents sensitive information from being stolen as they are entered onto a client website.

SSL Applications

SSL certificates come in different forms. Wildcard SSL certificates offer the most comprehensive security. They cover a domain name in addition to an unlimited number of subdomains. So you could have an SSL certificate for gesatech.com as well as all other subdomains like publications.gesatech.com, payments.gesatech.com, etc.

Single SSL certificates, however, offer protection to a single domain name or subdomain. Going from the example above, the SSL would only encrypt gesatech.com or payments.gesatech.com.

A multi-domain SSL certificate, as its name suggests, protects multiple domain names. And so you could have protection for gesatech.com, mywebsite.com, yourcommerce.com, and so on, depending on the service you choose.

Spotting an SSL Certificate

It is easy to tell if a website has an SSL certificate or not. The clearest sign is a padlock feature to the left of the URL. A more advanced form of protection results in a green address bar. This involves an expensive and extensive process known as Extensive Validation. In addition to proving ownership of the domain, the business would have to show proof of identity and also prove that they are running a legitimate business.

Seeing an HTTPS instead of HTTP also means the website has deployed an SSL Certificate. The ‘S’ in the former indicates a secured version of the latter. There is also a trust seal on some websites to confirm data encryption.

Why You Need an SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate builds trust and secures customer data. It also enhances your reputation as a business or organisation. Here is why.

Protects Data

For starters, an SSL certificate protects customer data from falling into the wrong hands. One way hackers steal sensitive data is via the Man-in-the-Middle attacks in which they place themselves between the client and your website. During this time, every information exchanged between you two is visible to the cybercriminal. This normally is possible when the hacker injects the browser with a siphoning code to collect said information. With an SSL certificate, however, the information being transferred is encrypted. This means whatever information is stolen is gibberish and can only be understood by the website owner.

Authenticates Your Identity

SSL certificates are only granted after a certain level of validation has been done. At the first and most immediate levels, you need to show proof that you own the website in question. It is an offence to acquire a domain name with fraudulent identification, to begin with. Which means that at the very initial level, you are linked to the website.

At its most advanced stage, SSL requires proof that you are providing an authentic service. When you have passed this validation stage, the web browser bearing your domain name turns green. To the customer, the SSL certificate provider has proven that you are providing the service you claim to be offering. That means there is a legitimate person or organisation behind the website.

It Builds Trust

The ultimate result of the preceding points is trust. If customers knew that their data is safe and that you are a legitimate business, they would be wiling to do business with you. They would be more willing to offer sensitive details to you in exchange for goods and services on your website. That means more business and more revenue.

Google Will Reward You

Google highlights the lack of SSL certificate on your website by stating it in the chrome browser. They do this by showing “Not Secure” and a red hazard exclamation in the address bar to alert users of that website. This immediately tells them your website doesn’t protect user information and can’t be trusted. Few people would be willing to give up sensitive information on such a website.

The fact that your website is safe and secure can improve your Search Engine Results Page ranking. The reverse is also possible. This is especially true if more people leave a bad review of their experience using your website because it offers no data encryption.

Promotes E-Commerce

E-commerce websites always need to collect credit card and debit card details from their customers. It is the only way of selling products online and accepting payments for said goods. If customer don’t see a sign that their information would be safe, though, they might not be willing to do business with you.

An SSL certificate, therefore, improves your brand image. Customers are willing to overlook a few things if you show a willingness to protect their data. That trust builds goodwill and enhances your reputation as a reputable online store.

Conclusion

An SSL certificate is very important for your business if you want to build trust with your customers. It protects user data and can help you rake in more revenue if customers know you have taken steps to protect their data.