Do you ever go on a website to pay bills or add sensitive information like your card details? You might’ve noticed that in the URL of these websites, you will find “https://” instead of the usual “http://”. Why is there an extra ‘s’ on websites that take our important data?
Well, basically that extra s stands for security. And no, it does not literally mean security but the technology behind it is called SSL. SSL or Secure Socket Layer is a type of security technology that makes your connection to that website secure and encrypted. How does that help? Well, these additional security measures mean that no one can get their hands on the sensitive information you added like the card details or address.
Let’s break down what the technology does for your website, how it works, and does it even works to make the website secure!
What is SSL?
SSL, or Secure Socket Layer, is like the internet’s own security guard. Its main job is to keep your private data safe when you’re on websites. You know when you see “https://” instead of just “http://” in a web address? Well, that “s” stands for SSL, and it means your connection to the website is encrypted, making it hard for anyone snooping around to understand what you’re doing.
Now, think of it like this: You’re on a website, maybe filling out a form. Without SSL, it’s like your personal info is open for anyone to see if they take a closer look, including sneaky hackers. They could use a trick called a “man-in-the-middle attack” to grab your details – imagine a spy program eavesdropping on the website. But, if the website has SSL, it’s like a secret language between your browser and the website. Your info is encrypted, turning it into a code that only the website can understand.
How SSL Works
SSL works its magic through a process known as the handshake. If you’re meeting somebody you don’t know for the first time then your natural instinct would be to just shake their hand instead of hugging them. Similarly, when your web browser connects to a secure website, it creates a digital handshake with the server. First, they exchange greetings and agree on a secret code language, known as the encryption method.
Then, the server shows its SSL certificate, like a virtual ID card, proving it’s the real deal. Once your browser verifies this certificate, the secure connection is established. Now you can communicate safely.
Encryption Methods Used by SSL/TLS
Now, let’s talk about encryption, the brains behind SSL. When you send information, like your credit card details, SSL transforms it into an unreadable code during transmission. It uses complex algorithms, like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman), to create this code.
You can understand this better if you know that there are two types of keys helping things managed in SSL: a public key, which everybody knows about, and a private key, known only to the server. It’s like having a lock (private key) that matches a key (public key) everyone has. This one-two punch makes sure that even if someone gets access to the coded information, they can’t decipher it without the private key.
Role of SSL Certificates in the Encryption Process
An SSL certificate contains the website’s public key, along with other information like the website’s name and the company behind it. Your browser checks this certificate against a list of trusted authorities. If it’s all good, your browser knows it’s safe to add your details and work on that website. Then it gives you a secure connection.
Why Does Your Website Need SSL?
If you think that not many online users are aware of the difference between websites that have SSL certificates and those that don’t, then you’re wrong. People want all their online experiences to be super secure, whether they are shopping at an online store or paying credit card bills. And if your website doesn’t provide this level of security then don’t expect visitors to stay on your website for long.
User Security is Paramount
The world that we live in at the moment is connected at its limit from the music we listen in our Airpods to us knowing in an instant what is going on around the world. But all this connection comes at a very big cost – our online security. No matter how many two-factor authentications and complex passwords you try, there is always a fear of being exposed to the online world. And this fear is what makes most people turn around from websites that look like a walking red flag.
This is why you need SSL to be sure that whatever information you’re putting out over the internet will not end up in the wrong hands at any point. When you see “https://” in a web address, it means SSL is on the job of protecting your info.
Think about it this way: You wouldn’t shout your personal information in a busy street; you’d want a private space. SSL gives that digital privacy by changing the mode of communication between your website and browser.
Builds Trust and Credibility
Whenever you’re shopping on Amazon, do you ever for even a split second think that your credit card information, phone number, or address might get stolen from the website? No, because Amazon has worked hard to create its reputation and earn your trust in online shopping. And guess what Amazon’s URL is — https://www.amazon.com.
Trust is like the secret sauce for a successful online experience, and SSL helps to get that trust. When a website has an SSL certificate, it’s like waving a big flag that says, “We take your safety seriously.” You know that little padlock icon and “https://” in the web address? Well, those are the friendly signs that your connection is secure.
Whether your website is a shop full of cool stuff or a blog with interesting stories, having that padlock and “https://” is like a badge of honor. It shows visitors that you’ve earned certifications to make the website super safe for you to shop, explore, and visit. It’s like saying, “You can trust us,” and trust is what makes people stick around, explore your content, and maybe even become loyal fans.
Boosts Search Engine Ranking
Having an SSL certificate is like a golden ticket for your website in the eyes of search engines, especially the internet giant, Google.
Imagine you’re planning a trip, and you want recommendations from a trusted travel guide. Google is that guide, helping people find the best spots. Now, Google wants to make sure it suggests safe and reliable places to its users. When your website has an SSL certificate, it’s like a badge that says, “Hey, I’m a secure and trustworthy spot.” Google sees this and says, “Great, this site cares about user safety.”
Here’s the magic part: Google appreciates those websites that have SSL certifications on them. So when the search engine is deciding what websites should pop up first in search results, they give you preference. It’s like saying, “If you have SSL, you’re doing something right, and we’ll give you a little boost.” This boost matters a lot because when people search for something related to your website, Google is more likely to put your site higher up in the list. Once you start pairing the SSL with good SEO, then just watch your revenue line grow.
Prevents Data Theft
Let’s break it down: imagine your website is like a postman delivering letters between users and your server. Without SSL, it’s like these letters are being passed in an open playground where anyone with prying eyes (enter hackers) can snatch them. This sneaky move, known as a “man-in-the-middle” attack, is when an online intruder stops and messes with the messages, even stealing the information.
SSL uses special algorithms that help to place locks at every level, so no one can get it and access your information. SSL puts all the letters you send with your information in a box, and only you and the server hold the key for it. So, even if a sneaky someone tries to grab the letters mid-air, all they get is a bunch of jumbled-up, unreadable gibberish. But this information is not gibberish for the browser or for you. With SSL, your messages stay safe. And even if a hacker tries to nab them, they’re left scratching their heads because everything’s in code – a code only you and the server can figure out.
Enhances Customer Confidence
Your website is like a friendly shop, and customers are wandering in, checking out your products. SSL keeps all the visitors of your website free of any worries that their identity or data might be stolen. When visitors see the little padlock and “https://” in the web address, it’s like your shopkeeper saying, “Hey, your info is safe with us.”
Now, why does this matter a lot, especially for online shops? Well, it’s all about customer confidence. Imagine you’re buying a cool gadget from a shop. If you know that your payment details are going to be safe and sound, you’d feel way more confident hitting that “Buy Now” button, right? That’s what SSL does for your website – you’re letting your customers know that their information is in good hands.
Soon, your customers will start feeling comfortable enough to make purchases, sign up for services, or share their details on your site. And what does that mean for your business? Well, the happier the customers are, the better your business’s bottom line will be!
Adherence to Industry Standards
Alright, let’s talk rules – but the good kind! In different businesses, especially in finance, healthcare, and online shopping, there are these sets of rules and standards. Think of them like the rules you follow in a game to make it fair for everyone. Now, one of these important rules in the online world is using SSL to keep sensitive info safe.
SSL is important if you want your business to get noticed by people who are looking for a reliable option over the internet. You want to gain trust from them, no matter what industry you work in.
Less Bounce Back Rates
Do you ever go on a website and immediately see the not secure sign on the URL, thinking that you should probably leave and head to some other website? Well, now flip the script and keep yourself in the position of the business whose website has that not secure symbol. Their bounce rates are going higher and higher while the conversion rates continue to take the plunge. Do you want your business to end up in the same situation? No, and that’s where SSL helps you.
Bounce rates are the percentage of people who came to your website but they didn’t stick around for a while and left. The lesser this rate is, the better your business is doing. So, what’s the deal with bounce rates and SSL? Well, without SSL, users might see scary warnings from their browsers, making them want to exit your site pronto. It’s like a red flag saying, “This place might not be safe!” But with SSL, the visitors know that this website is safer and they can easily browse and shop from it.
This confidence means users are more likely to stick around, explore more pages, and not quickly bounce away. And guess what? Search engines love that! Lower bounce rates tell search engines that your content is interesting and relevant, giving your website a boost in search rankings.
Now, let’s talk conversion rates – the numbers that tell businesses how well their websites are doing. By now you know that the bounce rates directly affect your conversion rates too, because if a user sees your website and decides to visit it without bouncing back, this means a conversion happened.
SSL Certificates and their Level of Encryption
SSL certificates come in different options and each one provides a new level of encryption. The more sophisticated and important your website is, the more encryption level you need to keep it safe for the people who visit the URL every day.
Let’s break down the types:
- Domain Validation (DV) Certificate:
– Best for: Blogs, informational websites.
– Encryption Level:* Basic.
– DV certificates are like the entry-level guards for your website. If you run a blog or a site where users don’t submit sensitive info, this is your go-to. It’s budget-friendly, quick to get, and perfect for keeping things simple.
- Organization Validation (OV) Certificate:
– Best for: Small businesses, websites handling basic customer data.
– Encryption Level: Moderate.
– Need a bit more than DV? OV certificates step up the game. They’re for website owners who care about basic encryption for customer data. The catch? Validation takes a bit longer as authorities check your credentials.
- Extended Validation (EV) Certificate:
– Best for: E-commerce, financial sites.
– Encryption Level: High.
– EV certificates are like the VIP pass for security. They offer top-notch encryption and are commonly used by serious businesses. But, be ready for a more thorough validation process – it’s the Fort Knox of SSL certificates.
- Wildcard SSL Certificates:
-Best for: Companies with multiple subdomains.
– Encryption Level: Varies.
– Imagine you have a main website and lots of little websites connected to it. Wildcard certificates are your money-saver. With one certificate, you can lock down all those subdomains without breaking the bank.
- Single Domain SSL Certificates:
-Best for: One website at a time.
– Encryption Level: Depends.
– If you have a single website you want to shield, a single domain SSL certificate is your match. It’s straightforward – one certificate, one domain. Keep it simple, keep it secure.
Remember, the level of protection you choose depends on what you’re guarding. If you have a small blog that only provides a service in terms of the content you’re writing like travel tips then you don’t need a lot of encryption in your SSL. On the other hand, if it’s a major e-commerce website like for example Zara, then they need a very high level of encryption because they have to protect the user data. The company’s own reputation is also on the line and these corporations have to be extra careful about these security measures.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know all about the SSL, you will definitely be looking out on every URL if they have that extra ‘s’ or not. Every user should be more educated about this because the internet is a place for both good and evil, and you want that extra security to protect yourself. Now you might be thinking, how do I get my website an SSL certificate? Well, there are special organizations for that called the Certificate Authorities (CAs). These organizations take the duty of accepting and reviewing your requests for an SSL certificate.
So if you need one, make sure that your website is very legitimate and doesn’t have anything shady associated with it. This might put off the CAs from giving you the certificate.
