Security Certificates Explained: Why is HTTPS is vital for your business website?
Notice the green or grey padlock next to our URL in your web browser? This tiny, yet powerful symbol means that the connection between us and you is completely secure.
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
As you can see, the address begins with HTTPS, rather than HTTP. The extra ‘S’ lets us know that all data exchanged between your computer and our website is encrypted and can’t be intercepted by hackers. Nifty, right?
This is all driven by a cool thing called an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. We’ve outlined why this technology is important and how you can get a digital certificate for your own website.
Why should I get a Security Certificate?
With many of our clients wondering why they need a digital certificate for their site, we thought we’d round up some of the benefits below.
Security for all.
As we’ve previously mentioned, an SSL Certificate is highly important for your website in terms of security, especially if you run an eCommerce website and require your customers’ card details when selling online. When they input their credentials to purchase one of your products, a hacker could potentially steal their sensitive information and their money if your pages are not protected.
However, regular websites that aren’t directly selling anything should also have a green padlock. Each time you log into your website, your personal login details could be saved and a criminal could gain access and control over your content.
Search Engine Optimisation.
Whilst you should always consider SSL as a security protocol first and foremost, we’re not going to hide the fact that Google favours secure websites. That’s right, the most-used search engine in the world will rank you higher on their pages if your website starts with HTTPS, rather than HTTP. Many businesses painstakingly adopt all of the SEO hacks but overlook the green padlock.
Customer Trust.
At the end of the day, it’s your customers that you want to build trust with. Many individuals and businesses are becoming increasingly aware of HHTPS and the importance of a Security Certificate. It’s a tiny, possibly sub-conscious kind of trust, but it’s still worthwhile when aiming to grow your business. With more and more organisations investing in a digital certificate, it looks like the websites that avoid the issue will be left behind and seen as unsafe to use in the future.
How can I get one?
There are a few steps you must go through before obtaining a Security Certificate for your site.
Do some research.
Firstly, you must figure out the type of certificate that best suits your company’s needs. Consider how many certificates you may need and the domains that you would want to make secure. For example, you may need to buy certificates for your website, blog or online store.
Shop around.
You can usually purchase a certificate via the same company that you registered your domain with, such as GoDaddy. However, Let’s Encrypt is a company that can give out digital certificates for free, so it’s worth having a look on there.
Get the experts in.
Most of the time, it’s best to have someone configure it for you. This ensures everything is working correctly and that your new investment really does keep you and your customers safe.
Want to find out more about transforming from HTTP to HTTPS? Please speak with a member of our team.