If you own a website or are considering building one, it is crucial to understand the importance of website security. At present, cyber-attacks are becoming more common, and website owners must take measures to protect their user’s financial and personal data. Perhaps you ask how you can enhance website security. Using an SSL certificate is one of the most effective ways to improve website security.
This article is put together to enlighten you on the importance of an SSL certificate on a website[1] and the benefits regardless of the SSL certificate cost. From better search engine rankings to increased user trust and protection from cyber-attacks, you will learn why an SSL certificate is essential for your website to ensure user security and privacy.
SSL certificates, known as TLS certificates (the successor protocol to SSL), establish a secure and encrypted connection between a website and its users. When a user visits a website with an SSL certificate, their web browser and the web server hosting the website exchange encrypted data to ensure that all communication is secure and private. Further, a detailed breakdown of this process is highlighted below.
- A user visits a website with an SSL certificate, typically indicated by the HTTPS protocol and a padlock icon in the web browser’s address bar.
- The web server hosting the website sends its SSL certificate to the user’s web browser.
- The user’s web browser checks the SSL certificate to verify its authenticity and whether it is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
- If the SSL certificate is valid and issued by a trusted CA, the web browser generates a unique session key and encrypts it with the public key from the SSL certificate.
- The web browser sends the encrypted session key to the web server.
- The web server decrypts the session key using its private key, and the server and the web browser use the session key to encrypt and decrypt all data exchanged between them during the browsing session.
- All data exchanged between the web browser and server is encrypted, making it difficult for a third party to intercept or eavesdrop on the communication.
So, does your website need an SSL certificate? The answer is a resounding YES. Suppose you ask how. Google has been pushing website owners to switch to HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). Google has also made it clear that HTTPS is a ranking factor, and websites that do not have an SSL certificate are penalized in search engine rankings. In addition to better search engine rankings, find below other reasons your website needs an SSL certificate.
- To build trust with your users
An SSL certificate builds trust between your website and its users. When users see the padlock icon in their browser’s address bar, they know that their data is transmitted securely. This builds trust in your website and can help increase user engagement and conversions.
- To protect against cyber-attacks
SSL certificates also help protect your website from cyber-attacks. Cybercriminals use various techniques to intercept data transmissions between a website and its users, such as Man-in-the-Middle attacks. However, with an SSL certificate, all data transmitted between your website and users is encrypted, making it nearly impossible for cybercriminals and unauthorized third parties to intercept and steal sensitive information.
- To avoid consequences of non-compliance
Many countries have data protection regulations that require websites to ensure the privacy and security of user data. As a result, failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. An SSL certificate ensures your website complies with these regulations, protecting you from hefty fines and legal consequences.
- To improve brand reputation
Installing an SSL certificate can also help build a better business brand reputation. With an SSL certificate, you show your users that you care about their security and privacy, resulting in a better brand reputation and increased customer loyalty.
Phishing attacks are a cyber-attack type where cybercriminals trick users into providing sensitive information (login credentials or credit card numbers) by posing as a trustworthy entity (a bank or an online retailer). On the other hand, website spoofing is when a cybercriminal creates a fake website that looks identical to a legitimate one to steal user data. However, you need not worry about phishing and spoofing if you install an SSL certificate.
When your website has an SSL certificate, users can be confident that your website is genuine and not a fake one created by cybercriminals. This is because SSL certificates contain information about a website’s identity, such as the domain name and the company that owns the website. Further, a trusted third party, called a Certificate Authority (CA), verifies the information before issuing the SSL certificate.
In addition, some SSL certificates come with Extended Validation (EV) features, which provide additional layers of security against phishing attacks and website spoofing. EV SSL certificates require more rigorous validation processes, including verifying the organization’s legal existence and physical location, before CA issues an SSL certificate. Websites with EV SSL certificates display a green address bar in the web browser, indicating to users that the website is legitimate and secure.
SSL certificates use encryption and digital authentication to establish a secure and private connection between a website and its users. Thus, an SSL certificate is essential for websites to ensure the security and privacy of user data. By encrypting all data exchanged between the web server and the web browser, users can enjoy a secure browsing experience and protect their sensitive information from cybercriminals who may try to intercept it.
With better search engine rankings, increased user trust, protection from cyber-attacks, compliance with data protection regulations, and a better brand reputation, an SSL certificate is a must-have for any website. If your website does not have an SSL certificate, it is time to get one. Not only will it make your website more secure, but it will also help you build a better online presence.
References
- ^ SSL certificate on a website (www.ispmanager.com)