What is an SSL Certificate & Why Does Your Website Need It?

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Are you going around several questions like why is SSL necessary for my website? Do I need SSL? How does SSL benefit my site? This blog will clarify your doubts related to SSL certificates. Dive into the blog and get the security insights for your online website.

What is an SSL certificate?

Since 2014, Google has been in favor of HTTPS for security & ranking reasons.

An SSL certificate, commonly known as TLS, is a protocol for encrypting internet traffic & server identification. It makes a public key to protect the site that allows a device to enter the original server after confirming its identity.

The certificate includes information such as the domain name on which the certificate was issued, the name of the person, organization or device to whom it was issued, who issued the certificate authority. print it, the authority’s digital signature, publication date, expiration date, public key (the private key is kept secret).

These keys are basically long strings of characters used to encrypt data. Such data is decrypted only with the help of a private key and vice versa.

With technology moving forward, there are modern websites where a single domain SSL certificate is not enough. Today’s website is made up of many domains, subsections and web pages. To apply authentication to such a website, SSL has variations of certificates.

Multi-domain SSL certificate

Multi-domain SSL also known as Subject Alternative Names (SAN). It reserves multiple domains with subdomains of one main domain name or different domain names. It easily authenticates and secures 250 unique domains (provider-based) with one solution. This single solution helps an organization from the problem of buying specific certificates for each area it has.

Multi-domain SSL wildcard

Multi-domain SSL wildcard it is an economical and secure certificate for n number of subdivisions. The certificate secures the main domain with an unlimited number of sub-domains falling under it. Multi-Domain Wildcard SSL is available in domain and group authentication. It is a good choice for users who are willing to secure multiple domains with an unlimited number of subdomains. Wildcard SSL provides full industry authentication & is trusted by 99.9% of major browsers.

Unified Communications SSL Certificate (UCC).

Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Office Communication Server environments use UCC. It effectively reserves up to 100 fields.

Why should you have an SSL Certificate for your site?

  1. Data Protection:

Client-server communication must be protected on a website. Every piece of information is encrypted with an SSL certificate. While dealing with sensitive data such as IDs, passwords, etc. SSL protects the information against malicious hacking activities. The indeterminate form of the information is an unbreakable encryption technology.

  1. Identity verification:

SSL provides authentication. When installing the certificate, you must go through a verification process established by an independent third party called a Certificate Authority (CA). The CA verifies the identity of the group, subject to the type of certificate. Once you have verified your identity, your website will receive trust marks confirming your honesty. Consumers know what they’re talking about when they see them.

  1. Excellent search engine results:

Google changed the algorithm to support HTTPS-enabled websites. This has been confirmed in several studies conducted by SEO experts around the world. One such study, conducted by Brian Dean, founder of Backlinko.com, found a strong correlation between HTTPS and higher search engine rankings.

  1. Meets PCI/DSS requirements:

Your website must be PCI compliant to receive online payments. The SSL certificate is required to accept online payments effectively.

  1. Gaining customer trust:

SSL certificates are essential for customer trust, encryption and authentication. The easily recognizable signs let users know that the data they enter is secure. They will also see your organization details if you have installed an OV or EV SSL. They are much more likely to do business with you or visit your website once they know you are a legitimate entity.

Finally,

From 2018 onwards, Google started flagging websites that do not have SSL certificates for safer web browsing. Regardless of the type of website you have, from a personal blog to a shopping portal, SSL is required, and if you do not comply it could result in the loss of visitors, which the website owner does not want to experience.

So, to get better performance & best ranking on search engine, SSL certificate is essential. For a successful campaign & loyal followers, one must integrate certain online changes to gain maximum strength living in this ever-changing digital world.