SSL is what secures your website. When you create a website, it’s exciting when you start seeing the usability and functionality of it an action. It can be easy to forget the importance of website security – however, it’s incredibly important that you protect your website.
This is where SSL comes in. SSL stand for “Secure Sockets Layer” and should be added to all websites when being created. SSL is the standard security technology and adds an encrypted link between a web server and a website browser. Today we will be talking about the benefits of adding an SSL to your website.
What Exactly Is SSL?
SSL gives your website the extra security it needs. When an SSL is added to your website you can feel confident about transmitting information securely. This includes credit card info, passwords, and email addresses. This is because that adding an SSL makes it so that this isn’t transmitted through plain text which is what it would otherwise be transmitted in.
Website SSL is a security protocol first and foremost. What this means is that the protocol will describe how the algorithms will be used. This causes the encryption of the data being transferred and protects it.
Why Do I Need SSL?
The most beneficial aspect of adding an SSL certificate to your website is a sense of security. By adding an SSL to your website, you have the added comfort of safety and knowledge that your information will not fall into the wrong hands. However, this is not the only benefit to SSL.
The arguably most important reason that your site needs an SSL certificate added to the website is because of the trust you will receive back from your users. When a site is secured, it will show it in the URL, usually in the form of a lock symbol. Many internet users will look for this symbol when using a website. Showing that your website is secure is a priority for many users, especially with e-commerce websites. If the user is required to give any information, they need to know that information is safe.
How Does This Affect My SEO?
Over the past couple of years, Google has recommended SSL for SEO purposes and gives a ranking boost to http/SSL sites. Google has stated that if all other factors are equal, http can act as a tiebreaker in the search engine results. Take note, because http is only a very small ranking signal – it won’t make you suddenly rank #1 for each and every keyword, but every little bit helps.
Building a new website is an exciting period of time. However, it’s incredibly important that the website you build is secure. Without the added security, your website can be at risk, and users may avoid your site altogether. However, if your site is not yet protected, don’t fret! The Geeks are here to help!