When you browse the web, you probably don’t give a second thought to the security of the websites you visit. But did you know that many websites are not secure? In fact, according to a recent study, 66 percent of all websites are not encrypted with an SSL certificate. That means that your personal information – such as your name, address, and credit card number – is at risk when you visit those sites.
That’s because the website isn’t using HTTPS, which is a protocol for secure communication over a computer network. By encrypting the exchanged data, HTTPS ensures that all communications between your web browser and a website are private and secure.
There’s no question that SSL certificates provide a boost in site security, but that’s not the only reason to install an SSL certificate and switch from HTTP to HTTPS. Here are three more:
1. SEO Benefits – Search engines like Google value sites that use SSL certificates because they give the search engines confidence that users will be secure on your website. Sites without SSL certificates tend to rank lower in search results, and if you’re still using HTTP, it’s time to switch to HTTPS and give your website the boost in visibility it deserves.
2. Brand Protection – When you use an SSL certificate on your site, users know that they can trust your site and feel more secure when they visit. That means that when people see your website in an email, they don’t hesitate to click on the link. Installing an SSL certificate helps you build trust with your customers and visitors, which leads to more conversions and repeat business.
3. Data Integrity – It goes without saying that nobody wants their personal information stolen by hackers and used for illegal activity. As we all know, that’s far too common on the Internet. Hackers often target sites that don’t use SSL certificates to steal information like email addresses, passwords, and credit card numbers. But when you use an SSL certificate, your website is more secure and hackers can’t access personal information without first obtaining the encryption keys used for HTTPS. That means that your website is more secure, which protects you and your visitors.
Even if you’re not concerned about security for your site visitors, SSL certificates are the smart choice to make your website appear more trustworthy to search engines and customers alike. Sites without SSL certificates tend to have a lower “Domain Rating” from search engines, which means that they are less likely to rank well in search results. With more people using HTTPS-encrypted sites, SSL certificates are a smart choice for any business hoping to get the best SEO results possible.
SSL certificates provide your website with increased security and better search engine rankings. Visitor information will be safer because it’s encrypted and unintelligible to hackers. Put your business in the best position possible by installing an SSL certificate today.
SSL certificates For PCI/DSS Requirements
If you’re a business that accepts credit cards, then you’ll need to install an SSL certificate to ensure compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The PCI DSS is a set of security requirements that helps protect credit card data from being stolen by hackers.
To be compliant with the PCI DSS, your website must use HTTPS to encrypt all communications, and you must install an SSL certificate to secure your website’s connection. An SSL certificate is the best way to ensure that your website meets the PCI DSS security requirements.
If you’re not currently compliant with the PCI DSS, don’t worry – it’s not too late to make the switch. By using an SSL certificate and HTTPS, you can protect your customers’ private information and ensure that your website meets the security requirements set forth by the PCI DSS.
SSL certificates For Brands Protection
In addition to being a lucrative business asset, SSL certificates also have benefits for protecting your brand on the web. Online trust is a valuable asset. When you install an SSL certificate on your website, your customers and visitors know that they can trust you and feel more comfortable when they visit.
Brand protection has become even more important in recent years because of a rise in online fraud. Hackers often target sites without SSL certificates to steal information like credit card numbers or email addresses. Using an SSL certificate helps protect visitors’ personal information, which keeps it out of the hands of hackers.
SSL certificates For Customer Trust
If you want to establish trust with potential customers and clients, then using an SSL certificate is a great first step. Putting your business behind an encrypted connection lets users know that their data will be secure when they visit your website.
Because an SSL certificate uses HTTPS, users can be assured that their connection to your site is safe and protected from hackers. And when you want to build trust with potential customers, nothing works better than adding an SSL certificate to your website or business finances today.