In this digital era, almost everything takes place in the World Wide Web. From connecting with people and looking for information to buying and selling, it’s no wonder why security has become a necessity.
That’s why Google came up with the idea of the SSL certificate. Any site without it will be automatically flagged, signaling people that it’s not safe. Guess you can say that Google really cares about its users, huh?
In this article, we’ll be exploring what SSL certificates are, and why Google is nuts about it. And, as a bonus, we’ll tell you how to get your site SSL-certified.
Let’s dive right in!
What’s an SSL Certificate?
SSL, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer, refers to the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. With this link, third-party individuals will have no access to the user’s data.
It’s like an e-passport, if you may.
As soon as you get the certificate, you’ll notice your website using the https protocol, along with a padlock sign that shows up in the user’s browser when they’re on your page.
An SSL certificate contains the following details:
- Name of the certificate holder
- Serial number and date of expiration
- Copy of the holder’s public key
- Digital signature of the authority issuing the certificate
If you’re wondering what will happen if you don’t get the certificate, well, your company information won’t be digitally connected to a cryptographic key,making it impossible to establish a secure connection.
Why Does Google Want You So Badly to Have an SSL Certificate?
Think Google’s desperately forcing you to get the certificate? What if we told you that you’re not the only one? Google wants everybody to hop aboard the SSL certificate train!
The question is, why? You’re about to find out below as we reveal five reasons that will make you realize that it’s for your own good. Take a look at what they are:
Encrypts Sensitive Information
Any information you send on the Internet is transmitted from one computer to another in order to arrive at the destination server. In other words, you’re putting your and your visitors’ privacy at risk.
If you fail to encrypt, details such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information will be visible to any computer in between you and the server. Talk about a huge disaster.
This is where SSL certificates come to save the day. Once your site gets an SSL certificate, all information becomes unreadable and private to everyone. You and the destination server are the only ones to have access.
Builds Trust
More and more people are becoming suspicious of websites that don’t carry the padlock sign, particularly those that are marked with the dreaded “Not Secure” sign – and we certainly can’t blame them.
Especially for eCommerce sites, visitors will find themselves hesitant about making a purchase as they’ll need to provide their personal details. If you happen to run an online business, you’ll have a hard time raking in the money. Worst case scenario: With your sales continuing to going down because no one trusts your site, you end up closing it.
Prevents Cybercrime
Hackers have gotten really clever over the years, but not that clever enough to bypass a website that uses an SSL certificate.
Not installing the certificate makes it easier for them to identify the weaknesses in your network when the information is passed on to another. Nothing says first-level of security than by having a secure connection.
Potential hackers will move on to another target the moment they see your padlocked website. That’s when you realize, you just outsmarted them.
Great for SEO
With Google prioritizing secure websites, it’s not surprising that their search engine is now favoring those with the https protocol. In other words, you’ll be ranking higher in search results by having the certificate.
If you’re still stuck on http, Google will only ignore you, which means that your ranking will be low, so low that users won’t be able to find you. Your business is nowhere to be found online.
Adds Brand Value
No SSL certificate may hurt your brand’s image. Nobody would want to do business with a website that has zero proof of security, especially if there’s a major transaction involved. It’s like playing Russian roulette.
Where to Get Your SSL Certificate
So, what should you do to earn that certification? What will it take to get Google to prioritize your site because of its security?
You need to buy a reliable SSL certificate. Quality web hosting sites like RapidSSL, Thawte, Comodo, Symantec, and GeoTrust offer safe and trustworthy SSL certificates.
Final Note
There you have it. Having an SSL certificate on your website is something you should prioritize.
Not only will it make you and your visitors feel 100% secure, but it can also make a difference in your SEO efforts. There’s no doubt that you’ll be driving new people to your business, and it’s all thanks to the SSL certificate.
Need help crafting a well-designed and easy-to-navigate website and getting it optimized for SEO? This top Miami web design company will be more than happy to serve you and help you reach your business goals.
About Shay Berman
Shay Berman is the founder and president of Digital Resource, a full-service digital marketing agency located in South Florida. Shay’s clear-cut approach to internet marketing has driven his clients’ businesses to new heights and allowed Digital Resource to land on the Inc 500 list two years in a row and be named as No. 49 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Entrepreneur 360 list.