Look at the top of this page. In the address bar, you'll see "HTTPS"—that "S" signifies a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, meaning your connection is secure. You should see one on any site that asks for personal data, especially payment information. Actually, these days, you should see one everywhere.
So what is an SSL certificate? What does it mean? And why should you get one if you own your own site?
What Is an SSL Certificate?
Though the specifics behind SSL cetificates can be a little headache-inducing, the basic principles around them are all about security and privacy. Organizations can purchase a digital certificate to prove that they're a legitimate site and to create a secure connection between the web server and the user's browser.
When data is sent between devices, it's vulnerable to attack by cybercriminals. A hacker could intercept communications. But sites displaying an SSL certificate encrypt that data, so it can't be read when travelling between a server and client.
Do You Need an SSL Certificate?
SSL certificates are important, especially if you're running your own website. It doesn't matter whether you've got a small blog or a full eCommerce site: you need an SSL certificate. Here are some practical reasons why.
1. SSL Certificates Protect Against Hackers
HTTP is the text protocol which sends information between your device and the website you're visiting. HTTPS is the secure version of this. As mentioned, it encrypts information, so anything sent between the pair is scrambled, rendering it virtually unreadable.
This is essential if you're inputting sensitive details like your password, or credit card info. But equally, it protects you from Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks: this is when a third party (i.e. a hacker) intercepts transmissions between two clients.
You might not consider this a major issue. However, without encryption, a cybercriminal can display a fake webpage. Links on this false site could download something malicious onto your computer, like malware.
Your readers will receive the messages you intend them to read if you install an SSL certificate.
2. You're More Trustworthy to Users
It should go without saying that readers trust a secure site more than one which can be harmful to their device. Hopefully, you always check whether a site is safe by checking the URL, particularly eCommerce pages. Some users will even use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to make sure a good level of security is maintained.
Some years ago, relatively few people knew about SSL certificates. Now, many more recognize the need for such security. We can probably thank Google for the increase in awareness.
With a certificate, you're sending out a message to your readers and customers, proving to them that you take their privacy seriously. And by doing so, you're instilling confidence.
Without an SSL certificate, you're waving a red flag to your readers, which may put them off future visits.
3. Chrome Displays Your Site Properly
Any Google Chrome users trying to visit a site which doesn't have an SSL certificate will instead see a page alerting them that the connection isn't private.
Bear in mind that Google Chrome is the most popular mainstream browser. People like its interface and love that its largely very secure. For much of its life, Chrome has loaded encrypted pages with a padlock and green "Secure" message displayed.
In 2018, Google switched its stance on the issue. Instead of viewing HTTP as the standard model for sites, Chrome expects HTTPS as default and only show non-secure sites reluctantly, i.e. after warning users it's not safe.
4. SSL Certificates Give Improved Search Engine Rankings
We've established that Chrome won't like your site without SSL; Google, as the search engine, won't either.
Many rely on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to achieve a higher ranking on Google. But search for anything, and the chances are the vast majority of results on the first page will have HTTPS addresses. Ask any SEO experts, and they'll tell you that it's vital for sites to be on the first two pages of results. Comparatively few look beyond that.
Anything legal you can do to stay ahead of the competition—particularly by prioritizing security—is crucial.
With an SSL Certificate, not only will readers trust you more, but search engines will too. This results in more readers, and the more popular your blog becomes, the higher it'll rank on Google! It's a win-win.
5. SSL Certificates Result in Faster Loading
Your site ranking is also partially determined by site speed. The faster your website, the more people will visit, and the higher you'll appear in search results.
So it's a good thing that shifting to HTTPS also improves the loading speed of pages—despite what you might've heard. It's a myth that adding an SSL certificate slows everything down. In fact, there's a whole site dedicated to demonstrating how much faster HTTPS is, compared to HTTP.
Except that's not the whole truth. The margin between HTTP and HTTPS is slight, but the latter is often, in reality, a newer protocol called HTTP/2. And HTTP/2 really is faster than HTTP and standard HTTPS.
You'll benefit from increased performance, and so will your audience. Users are more likely to return if they know everything loads in quick time.
6. Sometimes, You Can Get a Free SSL Certificate
Adding an SSL certificate is an intimidating task, which is why smaller websites frequently don't do it. And why others are happy to charge huge fees for a typical technical request. You must tread carefully because there's always someone looking to exploit others, particularly when it comes to technology.
Indeed, some web hosts make it sound overly complicated and penalize anyone who doesn't employ the platform's own SSL service.
But it doesn't have to cost the earth. Prospective fees are greater the more certificates you need, yet it's not imperative you hand over cash. Just look around for services that do this cheaply or free of charge. Compare what they offer and consider which is best for your position.
So how do you get an SSL certificate? Take a look at Let's Encrypt, for instance. Launched to the public in late 2015, the automated software is supported by big names, including Facebook, Shopify, and Mozilla. It's probably the best-known free service of its kind, but it's certainly not the only one.
7. SSL Certificates Future Proof Your Site
The security of the web is forever evolving. SSL certificates aren't the ultimate defence against hackers, but they're a good start. Because SSL has developed too.
Specifically, it's upgraded to Transport Layer Security (TLS). You've probably seen SSL and TLS used interchangeably, but there are differences. TLS is stronger due to more thorough verifications, newer algorithms, and better key generations. These authentications occur before any data is relayed, so happens incredibly fast.
When many companies talk about having SSL certificates, they often mean TLS is instead employed.
As long as it's HTTPS, pages are encrypted between endpoints. Look for TLS, but also know that many services (like Let's Encrypt and Symantec's Encryption Everywhere) already implement it.
Keep Your Site Secure With an SSL Certificate
Big or small, e-commerce or blog, it doesn't matter: every site needs solid security measures.
You really shouldn't underestimate the reach of your site, nor your responsibilities as its owner. Similarly, you shouldn't underestimate the power of HTTPS addresses, nor encryption as a whole. It's a vital part of the internet. If you don't have one already, it really is time you obtained an SSL certificate.