What Does SSL Certification Do for a Website?

Missey Dee
May 31, 2024
2 min read

Here’s a breakdown of what it means for a website to be SSL Certified:

1. Data Encryption

SSL encrypts the data transmitted between the user’s browser and the website server, ensuring that any information shared (like passwords or credit card numbers) is protected from interception by hackers or malicious actors.

2. Secure Connection (HTTPS)

When a website is SSL certified:

The URL changes from HTTP to HTTPS, where the 'S' stands for "secure."
A padlock icon appears next to the website address in the browser, indicating a secure connection.

3. Builds User Trust

Websites with SSL certification appear more trustworthy to users. Most people look for the padlock symbol and HTTPS when entering personal or payment information.

4. Protection Against "Not Secure" Warnings

Web browsers like Google Chrome and Firefox mark websites without SSL as "Not Secure." This warning can deter visitors and harm the website's credibility. SSL certification prevents this and signals that your website is safe to use.

5. Better Search Engine Rankings

Google and other search engines prioritize SSL-certified websites in their rankings. Having SSL can give your website a slight SEO advantage, improving its visibility in search results.

6. Ensures Data Integrity

SSL ensures that the data sent to or received from the website cannot be tampered with or altered during transmission.

When Is SSL Certification Essential?

E-commerce Websites: Sites that process payments and handle sensitive financial information.
Login Pages: Websites that require users to log in with usernames and passwords.
Any Website Collecting User Data: Contact forms, medical data, or subscription forms.
Professional and Business Websites: To establish credibility and protect their visitors.

How to Get an SSL Certificate

SSL certificates can be obtained through:

Hosting Providers: Many hosting companies include SSL certificates in their plans.
Certificate Authorities (CA): Organizations like DigiCert, GlobalSign, or Let’s Encrypt offer SSL certificates.
Free SSL Options: Let’s Encrypt provides free SSL certificates that are sufficient for many websites.

In summary, an SSL Certified website is essential for securing user data, building trust, and improving visibility online. It is a must-have for any professional, e-commerce, or service-based website.