If you’re still using HTTP, you could be compromising the security of your most valuable asset – your customers.

And that’s not a gamble you want to take.

The solution? Make the switch over to HTTPS using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate.

Wondering how SSL works? Let’s start with the main question:

What is An SSL Certificate?

The majority of conventional intranet and extranet applications usually require a combination of security mechanisms that include encryption, authentication, and access control.

But SSL is an international standard security technology that makes an encrypted connection between a web browser and a web server. And it is quickly becoming the most popular type of encryption for e-commerce.

Millions of online businesses use it for data transfer and logins, and to secure credit card purchases. It is also becoming the standard when securing browsing on social media sites.

In order to build this secure connection, a small data file that digitally binds a cryptographic key to an organization’s details is required. This is called the SSL certificate or digital certificate and it’s installed on the web server.

It encrypts the data that’s being transmitted and authenticates the identity of the website.

How SSL Works

When a browser attempts to access a website that is secured by SSL, the browser, and the web server establish a connection though a method called the “SSL Handshake”.

There are three keys used to set up an SSL connection:

  • public
  • private
  • session

Anything that’s encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the private key. And it works the other way around too.

Since the encryption and decryption process with private and public keys requires more processing power, they are done solely through the SSL Handshake. This, in turn, generates a symmetric session key.

Once the secure connection is established, it is the session that is used to encrypt all transmitted data.

Why SSL Beats HTTP Alone

Copycat fraudulent websites using plain HTTP can go undetected.

And even if a legitimate website is using old HTTP, it can easily fall prey to hackers who can then redirect a visitor’s filled-out form submission data.

But if a trustworthy website uses encrypted data – i.e. HTTPS managed by SSL- these attacks are thwarted.

1. SSL Certificates Benefit Your SEO

Google now considers HTTP untrustworthy. Therefore, it rewards websites with SSL certificates by ranking HTTPS pages higher in Search Engine Results Pages.

Using HTTPS to optimize your SEO and rank higher could lead to more conversions.

2. It Builds Consumer Trust

We’ve all been the target of spam emails with fake links to counterfeit websites. It makes it difficult to trust whether the site is the real deal.

But an SSL certificate verifies the authenticity of your website. It serves as an immediate trust builder for your prospects, as well as your existing customers.

3. It Benchmarks Your Website

The SSL certificate is an essential marketing asset for small and medium-sized businesses. Particularly for those competing on a local level with larger businesses in the same industry.

It conveys to website visitors that you take their security seriously – potentially even more so than your larger scale competitor.

Get On Board with SSL

Shifting over to HTTPS is rapidly becoming a necessity for the security of your customers.

Don’t leave them vulnerable.

And if you need some guidance on how SSL works, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you!