What is SSL? by Certified Digital Marketing Agency, Absolute Digital
Updated: Oct 20, 2020
SSL is short for Secure Sockets Layer.
This is the modern standard for keeping an internet connection secure and safeguarding any sensitive data that is being sent between two systems such as a website, e-commerce, or mobile app. SSL secured connections can prevent criminals from reading or modifying any information transferred, including payment information or personal details.
Websites with SSL Certified secured hosting will appear starting with https:// instead of the usual http:// like such:
How SSL works
SSL works by having a browser or server attempt to connect to a website secured with SSL. The browser/server requests that the web server identify itself and the web server sends the browser/server a copy of its SSL certificate. The browser/server then checks to see whether or not it trusts the SSL certificate. If so, it sends a message to the webserver which will send back a digitally signed acknowledgement to start an SSL encrypted session. Encrypted data is shared between the browser/server and the webserver.
To get SSL for your website, you will need to contact your website hosting provider (e.g. Vodien) and request for an SSL Certificate to establish a secure connection between your website and webserver. Once payment is made and your SSL certificate has been issued, it would take around 1 working day (or depending on your hosting provider) to verify and accept the encrypted connection. Once accomplished, they will send you a notification, usually by email, that your website is secured with SSL hosting capabilities.
This means that your website is now equipped with SSL and your data is now encrypted and is safe for you and your website visitors.
Why you should have SSL
SSL is crucial for many reasons. It acts as a firewall between malware, viruses, and potential hackers that may gain sensitive information from your websites such as customer details, personal information, payment details, or any proprietary information your business has uploaded online.
Also, to provide overall good user experience, Google also takes your level of website security into consideration when they rank you on page 1 of Google SEO. Having SSL will significantly increase your website's security and is considered a good practise even if your website does not have any payment gateway.
The top reasons why your website should get SSL are:
Google SEO
Secured data
Secured Payment Infomation for E-Commerce
SSL certificates provide an overall benefit to your website and its visitors. Generally, if you own a website, it is recommended to get an SSL certificate for your website hosting. You can get an SSL web hosting from your web hosting provider's website.
To learn more on how you can increase your website's security or rank on page 1 of Google organically, you may read one of these articles here, or reach out to a website security expert at +65 8892 1290 or drop us an email at hello@absolutedigital.sg
