You want your business data to be secure. Criminal elements want your data to make a quick buck. They put businesses at risk by intercepting communications between a website and its customers; compromising credit cards, stealing identities and looting data. One-quarter of organizations experienced a breach of customer and/or employee data in 2020. If your business suffers a cyber attack, it’s unlikely your customers will feel comfortable to continue purchasing your products/services. Protect your company by getting an SSL certificate for your website. SSL certificates are easy to implement and work well.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL stands for secure sockets layer and is a form of security for sites that handle sensitive personal information (credit card numbers, names, addresses, bank details, IDs, email addresses, passwords, logins). An SSL certificate creates a secure connection between a visitor’s web browser and the server of the company they are interacting with. The computers agree on a code and then scramble the messages using that code so that no one in between can intercept the messages. Essentially, an SSL certificate encrypts and protects all data exchanges between websites and their users; building a secure environment for both visitors and site owners. Some website URLs start with http while others begin with https. The “s” stands for secure encryption, which can only be guaranteed with an SSL certificate.
What are the different types of SSL certificates?
- Domain Validation (DV) for blogs and personal websites; the easiest and least expensive to maintain.
- Organization Validation (OV) for businesses and nonprofits; provides more protection and security than a DV SSL.
- Extended Validation (EV) for eCommerce websites; a top-tier certificate that requires a rigorous identity verification process and provides the highest level of assurance to visitors.
What are the advantages of an SSL certificate?
- Authentication: An SSL ensures that you’re sending information to the right server, not to an imposter attempting to steal information. Verification makes sure that no imposter creates a fake website pretending to be yours. Trusted SSL providers will only issue an SSL certificate to a verified company that has gone through several identity checks. Web browser manufacturers verify that SSL providers are following specific practices and have been audited by a third-party.
- Trust: Visual cues (a lock icon, a green bar) ensure visitors to your site that the connection is secure, creating trust in your company. These easy-to-identify signs inform users that the data they send will be safe. Criminals will be unable to perfectly impersonate your site.
- Protected data: With an SSL certificate every bit of information is encrypted. Data is locked and can only be unlocked by the intended recipient (browser or server). Hacker’s skills prove ineffective against unsurpassable encryption technology.
- Better search engine ranking: There is a strong correlation between HTTPS and higher search engine rankings.
- Helps satisfy PCI requirements (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards): To receive online payments, your website must be PCI compliant. An SSL certificate is one of the 12 primary requirements.
What are the disadvantages of an SSL certificate?
- Cost: To receive an SSL you need to set up a trusted infrastructure and validate your identity, so there is a cost involved.
- Performance: It takes server resources to encrypt information. This only affects performance if your website has a large number of visitors. Performance difficulties can be minimized with special hardware.
Where do I buy an SSL certificate?
SSL Certificates are issued from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). Premium SSL certificates can often be ordered from your hosting provider or specialized security providers. Basic SSL certificates often come bundled with web hosting plans.
Online fraud is on the rise. People are concerned about security and privacy. An SSL certificate is a necessity if you wish to run a successful website that is safe for you and your users. Install an SSL to reap the rewards of higher search visibility and enhanced security through encryption.
Interested in an SSL? Need help with authentication and verification? Need assistance with your marketing strategies? Call us at (403) 456-0072 or email [email protected]. Allow us to be your very own marketing department! Connect with our tightly-knit team of knowledgeable digital-first consultants, each eager to help your business grow. Contact us today.
