Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): Why it’s a Must-Have for Your Online Business

If you’re running a business online, you must have heard of this term – SSL. Sounds pretty techy, right? Don’t worry, it’s not nearly as complex as it sounds. Having an SSL is a real game-changer for your website’s security (and gaining your clientele’s trust). Let’s get into it.

SSL Unravelled

So, the acronym SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. Sounds like some sort of Star Wars or Tron technology, but basically it’s just a security measure for websites. Imagine an SSL as a super secure, VIP entry lane between a server (your website) and a client (your customer’s browser).

You may have heard about something called an SSL Certificate. It’s like a Drivers License for your website. It tells the browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.), “Hey, you can trust me, I have an ID card!”. This creates a private conversation that only your website and the customer’s browser can understand. Interesting, right?

SSL and Your Business: The Dynamic Duo

Think of SSL as the club bouncer of your online business. It protects your customers’ sensitive info (like their credit card deets and login details) from bad actors and imposters. And let’s be honest, no one wants their card info falling into the wrong hands.

 

What’s the easiest way of checking that a website is safe and secure via SSL? Check the URL bar of your browser. If a website has a padlock () on the far left or starts with ‘Https://…’ that’s a pretty good sign. Seeing that little padlock in the browser bar can make your customers feel safe. They’ll know you care about their data, which is great for your brand’s trust factor.

 

In addition, having SSL is super important for keeping you on the right side of data protection laws, like GDPR and PCI DSS. Not to mention, Google loves a secure website! So, having an SSL can give you an SEO boost. And, in case you missed it, having a good SEO score means that your website will show up higher in Google search rankings.

 

 

 

Clearing the Air on SSL

Let’s bust a few myths about SSL. Some people think only large e-commerce sites or mega-corporations need an SSL certificate. But that’s like saying only banks need locks on their doors. Any website that asks for user info can benefit from SSL. There have been dozens of data breeches this year alone. You don’t want to end up on a leakage list, that’s for sure.

 

And I know what you’re probably thinking – “Getting an SSL sounds expensive and difficult.” But it’s not always the case. There are several choices of affordable options, and some providers even offer SSL certificates for free.

 

The Downside of Skipping SSL

Without an SSL, your business can become a playground for cybercriminals. And as a harborer of other people’s data, you have some responsibility for leaks. Failure to keep data safe can lead to some pretty nasty consequences, from financial loss to legal issues.

 

And, of course, you risk your customers’ trust. Imagine your customer’s reaction when their browser warns them that your website isn’t secure. Not a great look, right? That’s an easy way to lose out on potential business.

 

Plus, failing to encrypt user data can get you in hot water with the law. Penalties for not complying with data protection regulations can be harsh. Nobody likes or has time to be paying fines.

Grabbing Your SSL Certificate

SSL in the Wild