You’ve probably heard about SSL Certificates but do you really know what they are and why they are important? Google recently announced that websites without SSL certification will be flagged as not secure. This means that when potential customers visit a website without a HTTPS in the URL bar, they will first see a warning from google saying the website isn’t secure. Not having a secure site will also see you penalised with google. If a website has a SSL certificate the address in the URL will display this “https” at the start instead of “http”. SSL’s are no longer a good idea, they are a must have.
So what is an SSL and why is it important?
SSL stands for secure sockets layer and it helps to create a new level of website security. This certificate allows someone’s browser to have a secure connection to your server, while ensuring information is safely transferred. SSL Certificates are important for the following reasons:
- Stops Information theft – Data can be transponded through a few different links leaving it wide open for information theft. This certificate encrypts the valuable information so that it is readable only to the intended party.
- Build confidence in your brand – Build confidence in your brand by showing people that you take online security seriously. The worst thing people can see is a google warning that your website may not be safe. You will lose the customer, or they will be forced to come back at a later date. This could result in the loss of a sale.
- Crucial for E-commerce websites – If your website accepts payments of any type, an SSL is crucial. Not being secure, could lead to someone being able to hack into your website and steal customer credit card payment information.
- It’s Mandatory in 2018 – By the end of 2017 Google had flagged that websites that do not have SSL certification to ensure safer browsing in 2018 will be penalised in their google rankings.
In addition, an email recently went out to webmaster contacts saying the mobile versions of websites will now be prioritised for google indexing. This has been news for quite a while now. It’s important to take the time to ensure that your website is not only up to date, but that it is mobile friendly, and secure.
Why not get in touch for a quote on securing and updating your website!
