Building a website isn’t easy, especially at a time when scam websites are becoming increasingly common. A Secure Socks Layer (SSL) certificate allows you to tell your visitors that your website is secure and safe to use. It’s a must-have if you have an e-commerce site or a website that requires personal information from your visitors.
Most browsers display a lock symbol next to the website’s URL to show if it has an SSL certificate, instantly telling users if the site is secure and encrypted. We’re giving you a snapshot of everything you need to know about SSL certificates and how you can get one for free with your HostPegasus plan.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate acts as a cryptographic key to bind your website’s domain name and identify. When your SSL certificate is up and running, you’ll see the padlock activated on the search bag, alongside the HTTPS protocol appearing before your domain. It works to protect the private information that passes through your website, whether it’s credit card information used to purchase an item or the information provided by a user when creating an account on your website.
Why Would I Need an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate protects visitors to your site and lets them know that their information is secure. Your website needs an SSL certificate to protect the data shared with and from your website visitors. It helps build trust between your website and potential visitors by letting them know that their personal information is secure.
Having an SSL certificate will help boost your conversion rates and improve sales for your e-commerce website. It also enables you to collect personal information for newsletters or user accounts.
When your website has an SSL certificate, it’s also likely to have a higher ranking on Google. An SSL certificate confirms the identity of your website, allowing users to know they’re using your genuine site and not one that is posing as yours to steal their personal information.
What does an SSL Certificate Secure and Protect Against?
Your SSL certificate secures various types of personal user information – the most common ones include:
- User login information
- Personal information including name, home address, date of birth, and mobile numbers.
- Bank account or credit card information and transactions
Other information that an SSL certificate can help secure are legal documents and medical records, along with proprietary information. Your SSL certificate encrypts the data that goes between the user and your server. If identify thieves or online hackers gain access to your website, they wouldn’t be able to read the personal information stored on your server.
How Do I Know My Website Is Secure?
For your website to be secure, you need an SSL certificate. You typically need to purchase your SSL certificate through a certification authority. We make the process easier but automatically giving you a free SSL certificate with your HostPegasus plan, making it even easier to get your website started.
With 23+ years in the Web Hosting Industry, Brian has had the opportunity to design websites for some of the largest companies in the industry. Brian currently holds the position as Creative Director at HostPegasus Web Hosting.