The benefits of SSL certificates for website security
To overviewOnline security today is one of the most important pillars in everything we, as a hosting provider, do. To propagate these pillars, we see it as our job to inform and advise you on the steps you can take to make and keep your own online security a top priority. For example, an SSL certificate is an essential step in getting your online security in order.
But why are SSL certificates so important and what benefits do they offer for securing websites and building trust with visitors? In this blog post, we will elaborate on the benefits of SSL certificates and why they are indispensable for a secure and reliable online presence.
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What is an SSL certificate?
Before we get into the benefits and purchase options of an SSL certificate, let's take a look at what exactly an SSL certificate is. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and is a security protocol used to provide data encryption between a Web browser and a Web server. An SSL certificate ensures that all data sent between the user's browser and the website is encrypted, making it virtually impossible for malicious parties to intercept and read that data.
Benefits of SSL certificates
- Secure data transfer
We mentioned it earlier in this article; an SSL certificate ensures secure data transfer. In addition, we immediately named the most important advantage of an SSL certificate. By implementing SSL, all data sent from a user's browser to the website is encrypted. This means that personal information such as credit card details, login information and other sensitive information are protected from hackers and cybercriminals. - Trust and credibility
A website with an SSL certificate can be recognized by the so-called "HTTPS" protocol and the padlock icon in the address bar. These two elements give visitors to your website confidence that the website is secure and their data is protected. Seeing the padlock icon and"HTTPS" in the address bar increases visitors' confidence and reassures them that their information is safe on your website. - Protection against phishing
SSL certificates also provide protection against phishing attacks, in which malicious parties attempt to steal sensitive information by posing as legitimate websites. Implementing an SSL certificate confirms the authenticity of your website, making it harder for hackers to create a phishing site similar to yours. - Improved search engine optimization
In addition to improving security, building the trust and credibility of your website and the protection an SSL certificate provides against phishing, an SSL also has a positive impact on your search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines such as Google and Bing give preference to websites with an SSL certificate when determining search results. This means that a website with SSL will typically be ranked higher than a comparable website without an SSL certificate. - Complying with legal requirements
For certain types of websites, especially e-commerce websites and websites that process personal or financial information, having an SSL certificate is a legal requirement. By implementing SSL, you can comply with these legal requirements and avoid potential fines and legal problems.
How to purchase an SSL certificate?
There are several ways to purchase an SSL certificate. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Basically, there are two ways to purchase an SSL certificate: a paid variant and a free variant via a control panel.
Paid SSL certificate
Paid SSL certificates are issued by recognized certificate authorities and offer a higher level of security and trust than free certificates. They offer advanced features such as extended validation, breach guarantees and higher coverage, making them ideal for e-commerce websites and other websites with high security requirements.
Benefits:
- Higher level of security and trust.
- Advanced features such as extended validation.
- Suitable for websites with high security requirements.
Disadvantages:
- (small) Annual fee.
- Installation and management may be more complex than free certificates.
Free SSL certificate
Like many other web hosting providers, we offer free SSL certificates through the control panels we support: DirectAdmin, cPanel and Plesk. These free certificates are usually issued by Let's Encrypt and provide basic security for your Web site. They are easy to install and can be a good option for small websites with limited security needs.
Benefits:
- Available for free
- Easy to install
- Provides basic security for most websites.
Disadvantages:
- Less comprehensive security features.
- Possibly less trusted by visitors than paid certificates.
Of course, there are other options for purchasing an SSL certificate. For example, you could partner with a reseller who sells SSL certificates and you could purchase an SSL certificate from what is known as a marketplace for SSL certificates
When choosing an SSL certificate, it is important to consider factors such as the level of security, type of validation (DV, OV, EV), coverage (single domain, wildcard, multiple domains), guarantees, customer support and price. By comparing different options and evaluating which certificate best suits your website's needs and budget, you can make an informed decision when purchasing an SSL certificate.
SSL certificate; an important step towards online security
Purchasing and implementing an SSL certificate is an essential step to improve the security of your website, build visitor confidence and comply with legal requirements. Whether you choose a free certificate through your control panel or a paid certificate from a recognized certificate authority, the important thing is that you take your website's security seriously and take action to strengthen it
Want to learn more about SSL certificates and which option is best for your website? Then feel free to contact us. One of our customer support staff is standing by to help you choose and implement the right certificate for your needs