When it comes to security, you can never be too safe. There are so many cyber threats lurking around the corner that even the smallest company could be a target. A website with an unsecured server is like an open door for hackers who want to steal your users’ information or inject malware into your site. Even if you have a smaller business and don’t think anyone would target you, it’s still important that you take every precaution possible to protect your company. An SSL certificate is one simple way to make your website more secure and prevent potential cyber-attacks from occurring. If you aren’t sure what an SSL certificate is or how it can benefit your business, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about them and why they’re so important when it comes to security.
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates have been around for years and have become a crucial part of online security and trust. SSL certificates verify the ownership of your website, encrypt the data sent between your website and your users so that hackers can’t access it, and secure your website’s URL so that it looks more trustworthy in Google’s eyes. SSL certificates are a must if you run an eCommerce website, an online booking platform, or any other type of site that requires users to input their personal information. If you don’t have an SSL certificate, users might not trust your website and might not want to use it, so you must install one as soon as possible. SSL certificates aren’t just for online businesses, though. They’re also important for any website that collects user information, whether it’s a blog, a portfolio, or a basic contact form.
Why is an SSL Certificate Important?
We’ve gone over the basics of what an SSL certificate is, but why does it matter so much? Why should companies invest in installing them on their sites? The simple answer is that it protects your site and all of the information on it. SSL certificates encrypt your website’s data, so even if someone were to hack into your site, they wouldn’t be able to read or steal any of that information. Hackers are constantly on the lookout for unsecured sites, so having an SSL certificate installed is almost like an invitation for them to come and try to steal data. Not only do SSL certificates protect your site and the information on it, but they also make your site look more trustworthy. Google will notice the green padlock in the URL bar and display your site as more legitimate. This can help you rank higher in the SERPs and get more organic traffic, which is a huge benefit for any business.
How to Get an SSL Certificate
Now that we’ve gone over what an SSL certificate is and why it’s so important, you may be wondering how to get one. The first thing you’ll want to do is decide which type of SSL certificate is best for your site. There are a few options, but the most common is the standard SSL certificate and the wildcard SSL certificate. The standard SSL certificate is for a single domain, whereas a wildcard SSL certificate secures multiple subdomains. For example, if your website’s address is example.com, you’d want a standard SSL certificate. If you have a blog at blog.example.com, you’d need a wildcard SSL certificate. Once you’ve decided which type of SSL certificate is best for your site, you’ll need to purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted certificate authority, like CheapSSLWeb.com
2 Options for Obtaining an SSL Certificate
There are two basic options for obtaining an SSL certificate: You can purchase an SSL certificate on your own OR you can purchase an SSL certificate through your hosting company. Hosting companies often offer SSL certificates for a small monthly fee, but the problem with these is that they’re generic SSL certificates. You’re essentially just renting the certificate from your host and putting its name in your URL. You don’t own the certificate, which means you can’t transfer it to another host when you decide to change providers. If you ever want to switch hosting companies, you’ll also have to purchase a new SSL certificate. With SSL certificates, you want to make sure you’re getting a Cheap SSL certificate.
3 Steps to Install Your SSL Certificate
Now that you’ve purchased your SSL certificate, you’re ready to install it on your site and make it more secure. This process will depend on which web hosting platform you’re using, but here’s a general overview of what you’ll need to do: – First, you’ll need to generate a private key. You can do this using the company’s private key generator or using SSL tools. You’ll need to make sure you save your private key in a secure location, as this is what will allow you to install and use the SSL certificate. – Next, you’ll need to generate the certificate request. This will be sent to your SSL certificate company, which they’ll use your private key to sign your certificate request and send you back a signed SSL certificate. – Once you have your SSL certificate, upload it to your server. If you purchased your SSL certificate through your hosting company, they’ll likely have a simple upload process in their control panel. If you purchased your SSL certificate on your own, you’ll need to install it through your hosting company.
Conclusion
SSL certificates are a crucial part of website security, and it’s important that every business installs one. There are two ways to obtain an SSL certificate: You can purchase one on your own or through your hosting company. Once you have your SSL certificate installed, you can make your website even more secure by using HTTPS Everywhere, implementing two-factor authentication, and installing an SSL certificate on your site. These simple steps will make your website more trustworthy and protect your users’ information from hackers.
Interesting Related Article: “Benefits of Choosing a Trusted SSL Certificate for Your Website“