Is your website secure?

If your website doesn’t have an SSL Certificate, Google (the world’s most popular browser)will let visitors know your website is not secure.

Historically, it was always important (and in some cases a requirement) for e-commerce websites to have an SSL Certificate. The importance was to protect customers credit card information and help search rankings.

Now-a-days we turn to the internet more and more; to find a business, research a product, read reviews, buy, sell, just about everything. So it’s not surprising really, that online security has become a necessity for Google.

Google, who love their users (and do everything they can to make their users feel safe and secure) announced earlier this year that they will warn their users of all unsecured websites. This means that from October 1st 2017, if your website doesn’t have an SSL  it will display a ‘Not Secure’ in the URL bar:

Unsure website warning

https indicates a website can be trusted as it’s protected with an SSL Certificate:

Secure website with an SSL Certificate

Does my website need an SSL Certificate?

From October 1st 2107 you will need an SSL on your website to avoid having scary warnings broadcast to people visiting your website. After all, they can appear quite off-putting to the vast majority of web users. Here’s how it could look to visitors coming to your website…

Security warning for visitors of website with no SSL Certificate

What is SSL?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral.

If you don’t have an SSL Certificate, a secure connection cannot be established, that means, your company information will not be digitally connected to a cryptographic key.

Benefits of having an SSL Certificate on your website…

Adding an SSL Certificate to your website prevents possible hacking activity and it ensures Google recognises the legitimacy of your website. It helps establish trust by providing online security to visitors to your website. Other benefits include:

  • You don’t scare off your visitors
  • It helps your Google ranking
  • You look more professional
  • It helps you gain trust from potential customers
  • You get more data in your Google Analytics report
  • The data passed between you and your visitors is secure

How do I get an SSL Certificate?

Don’t scare your customers away, Nettl can help! Contact your local Nettl Studio today about getting an SSL Certificate on your website today!