SSL certificate, is it important?
SSL certificate is important for online security
An SSL certificate is important. The information you send on the Internet passes through multiple computers before reaching the destination server. Any computer in between you and that server can potentially see your credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information if it is not encrypted with an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate.
SSL is the standard technology for establishing an encrypted connection between a web server (host) and a web browser (client). This ensures that all data passed between them remains private and secure.
So what is HTTPS?
Every day we share personal information with websites — whether making a purchase or simply logging in. To protect this data, a secure connection is created using SSL and HTTPS.
HTTPS (Secure HTTP) encrypts the connection between a user’s browser and your server, making it much harder for hackers to intercept data. You’ll see https:// in the URL address bar, often with a padlock icon.
Each website receives a unique SSL certificate for identification purposes. If a server pretends to be on HTTPS but its certificate doesn’t match, modern browsers will warn users against connecting.
Will SSL cost more and slow down my site?
If you have a website, especially an e-commerce site, SSL is essential. It keeps customer information safe and reassures visitors that their data is protected. Visitors will see https:// in the URL instead of http://.
Since January 2017, Google has labeled websites without SSL as “Not secure.” Google also considers SSL a ranking signal, meaning secure websites may perform better in search results. Beyond SEO, SSL improves your business’s reputation and trustworthiness.
Most modern SSL certificates do not noticeably slow down your website and are relatively inexpensive. The small cost is worth the security, trust, and SEO benefits.
