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SSL Certificates Explained

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This blog will be your guide to SSL certificates; what they are, what they do and where you can get one. With the rapid advancement of the internet security has always been a concern for people and businesses alike. SSL certificates provide an extra level of security to a website and may become a necessity in the future. But what exactly are they?

What is an SSL certificate?

SSL Certificates are small data files that digitally bind a cryptographic key to an organization’s details. When installed on a web server, it activates the padlock and the https protocol and allows secure connections from a web server to a browser.
– Globalsign.com

If that definition doesn’t explain SSL certificates, let me try and clear things up for you. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, its code that can be added to a website to encrypt some details to make the data on that website more secure. When a web browser visits a website it communicates to the websites server for details, during this process the server will present the SSL to the browser and the browser checks that certificate to see if it’s trusted. Because of this when some nefarious character tries to access your website without your permission they won’t be able to communicate with the server because of the SSL certificate.

What are the benefits of having an SSL certificate?

When searching for their desired product or service online people can be put off for several factors, trust and security can be a big factor when visiting a website for the first time.

If a plumber you knew for years told you that you needed a new boiler, you’d probably trust them. But if a new plumber came along and told you the same thing, you wouldn’t believe they’d have your best interest in mind.
– Matt Chambers

Our very own Matt Chambers analogy for trusted websites hits the nail on the head. Knowing that the website they’re visiting is trustworthy and the details are secure will put most customers at ease. It tells the user that the website is professional and serious about the website and business.

That’s all well and good for the customers but since you’re the one paying for it, what’s in it for you?

The security the SSL certificate provides isn’t just on the consumer end, your data on the website is going to be protected too. The internet has become a staple for modern life; governments are considering making it a utility and teenagers don’t remember not being able to use the phone and internet at the same time. So knowing your website and data is protected will make you feel better about your business and its future.

SSL and SEO

Because SSL certificates are all about security and trust it makes search engines trust your website more. Referring back to Matt’s analogy about the two plumbers; if the new plumber comes to you with an industry accepted certificate of trust, you’d be more open to hear what he has to say.

Because SSL certificates are becoming an important security feature, they may even become compulsory but for that to happen there are several parties that need to agree to that decision; internet service providers, browsers, search engines, governments and most likely several other governing organisations. Regardless of the uncertain future, the main certainty is that SSL certificates are going to have an impact on the future of the internet and how businesses conduct themselves online.

To be ahead of the curve and to ensure the security of your website and online business, contact us today to get a quote for your SSL.

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