What is SSL and why do I need it on my website?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It encrypts the data exchanged between a visitor’s browser and your website, helping to keep personal and payment information secure.

What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It encrypts the data exchanged between a visitor’s browser and your website, helping to keep information such as contact details and payment data secure.

Google Chrome and other browsers flag websites that do not use SSL. You may have seen a similar notice when browsing the web, and it can be off-putting to anyone about to enter card details or an address. Even if your website does not collect personal data, a security warning can discourage people from browsing it.

When you visit a website that is encrypted with SSL, the address begins with https:// and the browser displays a security indicator. This means information sent between your browser and the website is encrypted.

The image below shows how different browsers display an SSL-protected website. Each one presents it slightly differently. If you are adding an SSL certificate to your website, make sure it works correctly across all major browsers.

If you have a website and are not sure whether it already uses SSL, look at the website address. If it begins with https://, the connection is encrypted; if it begins with http://, it is not. Your browser should also display a security indicator that provides more information when selected.

Is an SSL certificate good for SEO?

HTTPS is a lightweight Google ranking signal and, more importantly, helps visitors trust that their connection to your website is secure.

How do you get an SSL certificate?

Your website provider should be able to install SSL on your website. It is an important investment in visitor confidence and data security.

Prices vary depending on the level of validation and protection required. Some SSL certificates also include a warranty, which may be valuable if your website handles a lot of personal or sensitive data.

Our SSL certificates renew annually with our hosting packages.

If you would like more information about anything we have discussed, or want to know more about our services, please get in touch.