If you don’t have an SSL certificate, Google will show a “Not Secure” warning on your website. The reason Google is forcing SSL certificates to websites is to boost online security and encourage people to perform online activities.

Blog Overview:

1. What is SSL & How SSL Works?
2. Why You Need SSL/TLS Certificate?
3. Types of SSL Certificates
4. How to Get SSL Certificate?

What is SSL Certificate & How SSL Works?

SSL or Secure Sockets Layer is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a browser and a web server. This link ensures all data passed between the browser and the destination server remains private and unreadable.

An unsecure connection means your company information will not be digitally connected to a cryptographic key.

SSL certificate will show:

• Name of the holder
• Serial number and expiration date
• Copy of the certificate holder’s public key
• Digital signature of the certificate-issuing authority

Why SSL Certificate For Your Website?

Although SSL certificates are mandatory for every website these days. However, if your website takes text inputs in the form of contact form, login panels, etc, you can’t have second thoughts about it.

Avoid Business Loss

1. SEO Benefits

If your website is still on HTTP://, you’ll be at a disadvantage. Google shows a “Not Secure” warning and will prefer websites with an HTTPS connection on its SERPs. Install SSL certificate to rank better on google search result pages and avoid any business risk.

2. Build Visitor Trust

The customers today are more educated than ever. If they see warnings on your website, they will leave your website and not come back. When you have a green padlock and address bar that indicated well-trusted encryption in use, they will be assured their information is safe.

Security Concerns

1. Encrypts sensitive information

The information you send on the internet is passed from one computer to another to get to the destination server.

Any machine in between you and the destination server can see your username, passwords, credit card information, and other sensitive information if you don’t use an SSL certificate. Once you install SSL, the information becomes encrypted (or unreadable) to everyone except the destination server.

2. Avoids Cybercrime

Amidst the rising cybercrimes, it will become difficult for you to protect your website if you don’t use an SSL certificate.

“According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybersecurity damages will cost the world over $6 trillion annually by 2021.”

The hackers will identify weakness(es) in your network mainly when the information is transmitted. Having a secure connection will provide first-level of security to your website.

Different Types of SSL Certificates

There are different types of SSL certificates available depending on your need. They can be grouped on the basis of:

1. Validation Level: Domain Validation Certificates, Organization Validated Certificates, and Extended Validated Certificates.
2. Number of Secured Domains: Single Domain SSL, Wildcard SSL, and Multi-domain SSL.

Analyze your SSL requirements by asking these questions:

• How many domains do I need to secure?
• What type of website do I need to secure?
• Is the customer’s trust important to you?
• What’s your security budget?

How to Get SSL Certificates?

Here are a number of ways you can get TLS certificates:

1. Use Web hosts with SSL Security

There are a number of good web hosts providing SSL certificates and automatically configure web servers to support HTTPS connection.

2. Let’s Encrypt SSL

You can install free SSL from Let’s Encrypt. They are free, automated, and open certificate authority (CA) boosting internet security. They are totally safe for your website.

Conclusion

Having an SSL/TLS certificate on your website is a no-brainer. Make a rational decision and don’t compromise when it comes to your website security.