Google and SSLs
At the beginning of 2017, Google started punishing sites without HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol secure). Many started seeing their Google ranking slip and traffic decrease. Though the change in policy caused a scramble among website owners, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. It just encourages website owners to secure their sites with an SSL Certificate.
What Are SSL Certificates?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It’s a protocol which creates a secure connection between a client and the server over which to send information. The simple explanation for how it works is by using a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data. The first key is a private or secret key, only known to the recipient of the message. The second key is a public key, known to everyone.
What Are The Benefits of SSL Certificates For Businesses
- Protect sensitive information. The best way to protect sensitive data is to send it written in code. HTTPS encrypts data so that it is unrecognizable. Once it arrives safely, the information is the decoded for use.
- Look more professional. Any business that wants an SSL certificate for its website must be checked by the certificate authority issuing the certificate.
- Increase visitor loyalty to your site. If your site uses account logins with personal data, then you should have an SSL certificate in place anyway. Visitors who know their information is protected are more likely to keep coming back.
- Attract more shoppers. If you are selling online, then expect your shoppers to check to see if you have SSL. Without it, they might not even stay long enough to see what you have to offer.
- Make more sales. At your online checkout, SSL clinches the sale. If you are using a reputable checkout system, it will offer SSL to your buyers for you. But remember, you may still want your own SSL in place for the other reasons listed here.
- Protect your own information. Whether it’s an exclusive promotional code or voucher you’re sending to your website visitor, SSL protects the information you both send and receive.