You may have noticed the green padlock in the upper left-hand corner of your browser bar. Or have you? SSL or “Secured Sockets Layer” is an added layer of protection added to websites. They are becoming extremely important to overall website security today, and not having one can be detrimental to your business. So, what exactly is SSL, and what can you do to implement one? We have all the answers here.

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What is SSL?

The addition of an SSL to your website means your connection to that website is secure. Any data shared or entered through the website is safe. Without encryption, websites are susceptible to the hacking of information. A secure website with SSL enabled will establish a tunnel between the server that hosts the website and your browser. Any hackers that try to intercept information cannot access the tunnel, which means any information you share on the website is secure. Today, half of the world’s websites are encrypted with SSL. That number is growing every year.

“SSL is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser remain private.” (SSL.com)

Here is what an SSL secured site looks like in the browser bar:

website with SSL example

And this is what a website without SSL looks like:

website with no SSL example

The green padlock and the word “secure” is an unmistakable signal of security showing your users and anyone visiting your site, that this is a safe place for them to interact.

Build Trust with your Customers

Do you notice SSL when you are online shopping? According to recent HubSpot Research, up to 85% of people will not continue browsing if a site is not secure. Protect your user’s data and their peace of mind ensuring safe transactions with an SSL. By taking the next step and implementing a safety protocol, you show your customers you care about their safety and security as much as your own.

Read the importance of updating your website.

Fun Fact: Web encryption has actually been around for years. The first HTTPS protocol was released in 1995 which was mainly used to protect payment details for online transactions.

Google Favors it

Google announced in late 2015 that its search engine would favor sites that use HTTPS over those that don’t. Ever since then, SSL has been growing in popularity. Google says SSL gives websites a small ranking benefit, only counting as a “very lightweight signal” within the overall ranking algorithm. Adding SSL is not only good for security and your customers but also good for SEO and for your rankings on search engines.

How well do you really understand SSL? Learn what it is and how to get one here: Click To Tweet

Need SSL?

SSL used to be an added expense tacked onto hosting, sometimes costing hundreds of dollars. However, 2017 has seen top hosting platforms offering a free SSL certificate. Our host of choice is Flywheel, which offers free SSL installation for every hosting package. Does your website have one? Use this checker to find out:

Check if your website has an SSL with this checker

Website security is one of the most important pieces of your website. Don’t have an SSL? Never fear, we are here to help. Contact us to hear more about website hosting or website updates.

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