Secure Website Hosting with SSL Certificates

What is SSL? SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) provides a secure connection, allowing you to transmit private data online. Websites that are secured with SSL display a padlock in the web browsers URL (address) bar. Depending on the type of SSL that is used, the padlock may, or may not, be green.

SSL Certificates are small data files that digitally bind a cryptographic key to a business or organization's details. When an SSL Certificate is installed correctly on a web server, it activates the padlock and the https protocol (using port 443) and allows secure connections from a web server to a web browser.

The image (below) is an example of what an address bar looks like when a website has an SSL Certificate installed correctly and the website is secure using SSL. Whenever you give your private details online, be sure to check the URL (address) bar to be sure the website is securely encrypted in order to protect your details.

Why Should I Care About SSL?

Website security is very important and can be achieved by using SSL. SSL Certificates, when installed correctly on a web server, help to ensure that the website information will be protected by encrypting data. When a website's data is digitally encrypted, it makes it much harder for internet spies and hackers to gain access to a websites confidential information.

If your web server sends or receives any sensitive information, you should have an SSL Certificate installed on your website. If you have an online store, you should use SSL to protect your customer's private data and personal information. If your website takes credit cards, you will be required to complete a PCI-Compliance check, which requires a proper SSL Certificate.

Benefits of Secure Hosting Servers

Data Security

SSL provides a secure connection so if you have an SSL Certificate correctly installed on your web server, your potential customers will have peace of mind knowing they are safer and that they can trust your company because they know that their private data will not be easily hacked or stolen.

Possibility of Higher Sales

Secure websites can provide for higher online sales. When customers can see your secure padlock icon, at a glance, they will feel safer and will be more likely to make online purchases from your website.

Helps Prevent Phishing Attempts by Validation

Phishing is where scammers try to get people to open up their private information and give it to them. They, often times, will attempt to mask the true identity of themselves and pretend to be another company in order to gather private information. An SSL Certificate will validate the identification of the server and makes it much harder to impersonate.

Rank Higher in the Searches

Another benefit of SSL Certificates is that search engines rank SSL-protected websites higher than non-secure websites.