Have you noticed that the URLs of certain websites begin with “https” while there are some website URLs that start with “http”? The difference between these two is not just about an extra letter “s” but about the secure encryption that is guaranteed by an SSL certificate in the case where the URL starts with “https”.
So, what is SSL? SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. Using it, indicates the use of a standard technology to ensure the security of an Internet connection. It safeguards all the sensitive data that are sent from one system to another. This aids in preventing cybercriminals from accessing and modifying any data that is being transferred between two systems, especially any personal/confidential information. These two systems could be a client (browser) and a server (a shopping website) or it could be two severs.
An SSL certificate serves the purpose of encrypting the data that get transmitted back and forth between a user’s device (laptop, mobile phone, etc.) and the target website. Whenever a website visitor enters information into a website that has availed SSL certificate, the SSL ensures that the entered information is transmitted securely from the browser to the web server. This is attained by rendering data transferred between two systems unreadable. Encryption algorithms are used for this purpose, which scramble the data that is in transit. This ensures that no one with malicious intention can read such data when the data is being sent over a connection. Such data usually include sensitive or personal information. Since SSL ensures data security, it is commonly used by sites that require users to submit sensitive information, such as their credit card details, financial information, addresses and other personal information.
To digress, websites are made available online through the service of web hosting that is provided by web hosting companies. Without this service it won’t be possible to access any website over the Internet. Web hosting service providers offer various plans to make available space on their servers for the files of websites. The files of websites are stored on the web servers of web hosting companies. When a user requests for a particular web page then the relevant content is delivered from the web server storing it to the user’s device. This transfer takes place over the Internet. Once the content reaches the user’s device the web page becomes accessible to him/her. These web hosting companies not only provide server space but also the services and technologies that are required to render websites accessible over the Internet and keep them up and running seamlessly. The most efficient and reliable web hosting service providers are usually referred to as the “Best Website Hosting Company”, the “Best Windows Hosting Company”, the “Best Cloud Hosting Company” etc.
Once a website, which has been made accessible over the Internet through web hosting, has availed security offered by an SSL certificate, then “https” (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) appears in that website’s URL. If one clicks on the lock symbol that is present on the browser bar, then one can view all the details of the SSL certificate, which include the website owner’s corporate name, the issuing authority, etc.
Impact of Using an SSL Certificate
Online fraud is rampant these days, and Internet users are aware of it. That’s why most of the visitors to a website want to be sure that they are accessing a website that has a secure web connection (SSL) and for this purpose the first thing they notice is the presence of “https” in a website’s URL. In the absence of SSL, one’s site visitors, which are primarily customers for e-commerce sites, are at the highest risk of experiencing data theft and its dire consequences. This endangers the website’s/business’ reputation as well, and the online business runs the risk of losing its existing customers. Moreover, the security of the site is also at risk when SSL isn’t used. The presence of SSL ensures websites’ protection against data breaches, phishing scams, etc. Hence, all the owners of websites should consider bolstering the security of their sites by using SSLs to create a secure online environment for both, their sites and the site visitors. Additionally, using SSL helps to gain the trust of one’s customers with regard to one’s website being secure, and for any online business it is vital for its success.
Most of the site visitors do not trust non-https sites when it comes to submitting their personal information on it, and they are cautious about using such sites. This can result in an online business site, that is not using SSL, lose its potential customers to a rival business site which is using SSL. Additionally, search engines, such as Google, are committed to protect users from potentially dangerous or unsafe sites. For this purpose these search engines look for the presence of SSL certificate. Websites that have not availed SSL certificate will have “http” in their URLs, whereas those websites that are using SSL will have “https” in their URLs. Web browsers, such as Firefox and Chrome, issue warnings for non-https sites as being unsecure. Moreover, Google considers SSL as a ranking signal, which makes it harder to find a site that does not have SSL. This can be detrimental to the revenue-generation capabilities of online businesses as it has the potential to adversely impact the traffic to a site, which is not using SSL.
Every website has the freedom to operate online without availing an SSL certificate but if one weighs the pros and cons of it, one will definitely opt for availing SSL. The crux of the matter is that anything which is required to be secure online must exist under an SSL certificate’s protective umbrella.
Benefits of SSL Encryption
There are many benefits of availing SSL certificate. Some of the main benefits are mentioned below, in no particular order.
It ensures the protection of the data of users against online malicious activities, such as phishing scams, by providing encryption.
It impacts positively Google’s evaluation of a website.
It delivers high encryption levels (up to 256-bit).
It ensures a safe online transaction experience, which is essential for online business sites and/or sites that accept payments.
It keeps websites safe from cyber attacks and harmful online malicious activities.
It proves the authenticity of an online business.
It aids in enhancing an online business’ brand reputation.
It helps to build website visitors’ trust and confidence with regard to using a site, which in turn proves to be beneficial for attaining increased sales and revenues for online business sites.
Conclusion:
To recapitulate, the use of an SSL certificate not only reduces theft of data and provides security to a website and to the website visitors’ sensitive data, but also aids in building trust between an online business and its clientele, which results in customer retention and expansion of its customer base.
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