In today’s digital world cyberattacks are prevalent. This is why, you should protect your website at all times.
Two of the most efficient ways of doing so are by using HTTPS and SSL certificates. In this article, we will delve into the topic of SSL certificates.
If you are interested in HTTPS, how it works, and what it does, then check out our article on the topic: How Does HTTPS Work? and also read How to Redirect My Website From HTTP to HTTPS
What is an SSL Certificate
SSL certificate, or a Secure Socket Layer certificate, is a type of software that can authenticate the identity of a website, and provide secure communication between said website, the user’s web browser, and the web server.
In other words, SSL certificates serve as a digital ID card that verifies the trustworthiness of your website and safeguards any data transmitted between the server and the browser. This protects your website and site visitors from various types of cyberattacks.
Website owners need an SSL certificate, as it proves that their website is secure and trustworthy and any sensitive data that it collects (such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and others) is safe and secure.
To know more about SSL certificates, check out our in-depth guide on the topic: What is SSL and How Does it Protect My Website?
Also, read about how to get an SSL certificate for your website.
Why is it Important to Use an SSL Certificate on Your Website
Installing an SSL certificate on your website can bring you numerous benefits. Such are:
- Data encryption. SSL certificates encrypt the data that is being transmitted via your website and make it impossible to comprehend by unauthorized third parties such as hackers.
- Validation. SSL certificates serve as proof of validation for your website, which can greatly build trust among your potential site visitors and customers. In short, authentication makes your website trustworthy, which can contribute to more visitors and customers.
- SEO benefits. Websites with SSL certificates are prioritized by search engines such as Google and therefore often rank higher in search engine rankings. So, when working on SEO, definitely consider adding an SSL certificate to your website.
Conclusion
SSL certificates protect your website and site visitors from unauthorized access and data breaches. This is why, SSL certificates have become an essential part of each contemporary website project.
