SSL Certificate, Do You Need it?

The online world is so adventurous. We love to watch movies, playing games and do shopping online. But when comes to the security we always prefer sites with SSL. You have seen a green bar on the left side of the address bar when you open an HTTPS site.

If you are a webmaster and operating a website than it is necessary to understand SSL . Some of you are not aware of SSL and how they work. In this article, I am going to tell you everything about SSL and how it works? and what are the benefits of using it?  So, let’s get started with it.

What is SSL?

SSL stands for (Secure socket layers). It is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. The data transfer within SSL is encrypted and is very secure.  SSL is an industry standard for the websites in the protection of their online transactions with their customers. click here to get more detail about SSL

How does SSL Works?

In Google Chrome or other browsers like Firefox, when you browse a non-HTTPS site that it shows an error message saying that your connection is not private.

when a browser or server attempts to connect to a website that is using SSL, The Web server sends the browser/server a copy of its SSL certificate.

The browser or server checks the validity of the SSL certificates. The Web server sends back a digitally signed acknowledgment to start an SSL encrypted session.

After that, the Secure connection is established and Encrypted data is shared between the browser/server and the Web server.

How to Install an SSL on your website

Today security becomes a necessity. As a responsible organization, you are bound to provide more services and transactions online. Customers need to be confident that their sensitive information such as a credit card number is managed by the legitimate online business. you need to keep your customer information private and secure.

There is no rocket science behind installing an SSL certificate on your website. You can install SSL on your website in simple 5 steps. These are as follows:

1. You need dedicated IP address

If your website is hosted on a shared hosting plan and doesn’t have a dedicated IP than it is necessary that you buy an SSL. With a dedicated IP, you ensure that traffic coming to your IP  is only going to your website. There are many web hosts that provide you dedicated IP at a very affordable cost. However, Today you don’t need an IP address. Now Web Hosting companies like Siteground provide free SSL to its users. Which is powered by LetsEncrypt?

2. Buy an SSL certificate

The next step is to buy an SSL certificate for your website. When you buy an SSL certificate the issuing authority will provide you the certificate along with private and public keys.

You have to install them on your server. If you are completely novice and do not have any technical knowledge. You can also ask your web hosting provider to install the certificate on your website.  You buy SSL certificates from your host or any other SSL certificate provider.

3. Activate the certificate

Now you need to activate your certificate. To activate your certificate you need to generate a CSR.  This can get complicated So, it is highly recommended that you leave it on your web hosting provider. They will do the job for you.

4. Install the certificate

If you’re installing the certificate yourself, You need some technical knowledge on it. After Purchasing the SSL, all you need to do is paste it into your web host control panel. If you’re using CPanel, click the “Install an SSL Certificate” from under the SSL/TLS menu. However, you can allow your hosting company to install the certificate.

 5. Update your site to use HTTPS

The final step is to check and verify that everything was done smoothly. Type your website with https and see that your website loads smoothly without any issues.  If its loads perfectly then congrats, you have successfully activated the SSL on your website. However, Make sure that all your links and image URLs will redirect to https smoothly. Otherwise, you will receive mixed content issues.

Benefits of using an SSL

There are plenty of reasons that you should install an SSL on your website. Some of them are as follows:

• Google now pushing site using SSL. Get HTTPs which elicits a stronger Google ranking.
• Create safer web experiences for your customers
• Build customer trust and improve conversions and sales
• Protect both of your customer and internal data
• Encrypt browser-to-server and server-to-server communication
• Increase the security of your mobile and cloud apps

If your website or blog uses account logins with personal data, then you must have an SSL certificate in place anyway. Visitors who know their information is protected are more likely to keep coming back.

Conclusion

Any organization that engages in eCommerce business or have active login and signs up pages must have an SSL certificate on its Web server to ensure the safety of customer and company information, as well as the security of financial transactions. Google also pushing sites that are using SSL certificates.

So, if you are thinking of using an SSL for your website then don’t waste your time. Let me know what you are saying about this post. Just drop a comment below. You can also share your thoughts with us as well.