SSL is a safer alternative to non-secured HTTP.
Trustworthy Internet Movement surveyed more than 139,000 of the most popular websites. It determined that 57 percent were safe in their Secure Socket Layer (SSL) management efforts in May 2017. Businesses as a whole seem to be moving in the right direction. If you haven’t given it much thought, now is the perfect time to make the switch to SSL. The sooner you do, the faster you too can gain from its many benefits.
SSL Secures Server-to-Server Data Transfers
Here’s generally how SSL works. SSL encrypts and decrypts data packets between servers. The data may include identifiable information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and browsing history. The latest SSL protocol is Transport Layer Security (TLS). It’s considered to be SSL’s successor.
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, whereas HTTP is Hypertext Transfer Protocol. Websites with active SSL certificates show “https://” along with a green padlock icon in the address bar.
SSL Encryption is Better than HTTP Alone
Copycat websites that use plain HTTP often go undetected. Even a non-fraudulent website using the old HTTP is at the mercy of hackers who can then redirect a visitor’s filled-out form submission data. Contrastingly, if a trustworthy website uses encrypted data—HTTPS managed by SSL—it renders these Man in the Middle (MITM) attacks useless.
SSL Benchmarks Your Website
For a small and medium-sized business (SMB) competing on a local level with larger businesses in the same industry, a SSL certificate is a must-have marketing asset. It conveys to website visitors that you take their security seriously, maybe even more than a larger scale competitor does.
SSL Certificates Benefit SEO Results
Google rewards websites with SSL certificates by ranking HTTPS pages higher in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). In fact, it considers HTTP without SSL untrustworthy. Use HTTPS to rank and it might lead to more conversions.
HTTPS also preserves referral traffic information. Know where your traffic comes from to create better campaigns. Laser focus your marketing dollars to get the most ROI.
It Builds Consumer Trust
Counterfeit websites are still around and growing. The villains behind these websites use phishing techniques like sending out spam emails with fake links for the unsuspecting to click.
SSL certificates verify website authenticity. It proves that you’re the real deal and acts as an immediate trust builder for your prospects and existing customers.
Create a Security Strategy that Includes SSL
SSL certificates for HTTPS are necessary; however, it’s recommended to take a compound-security approach. For example, SSL certificates won’t stop information from being manipulated if someone has already compromised your website. Check that your security software is working and always keep it up to date.
Be aware that hackers can possess fake SSL certificates. Visitors should click on the green padlock to determine who really owns a website. Obtain your SSL certificate to squash questions about your own website’s authenticity.
Encryption in transit and encryption at rest are two different things. SSL protects encryption in transit but data encryption must occur at the stored level as well to avoid being of use to hackers.
SSL encryption today is a necessary component of your overall arsenal to fight third-party intrusions. It secures data transfers, improves SEO, builds consumer trust, and helps you benchmark.
As more businesses move from unsecured HTTP to secure HTTPS and SSL, hackers become more desperate. They’re tripling their efforts to attack good businesses that haven’t yet switched. We at MAXBURST can evaluate your business’s specific web security and development needs. Fill out our Project Request a Quote Form or reach us at 888-MAXWEB (888-962-9932) today.
