Why your website must have an SSL certificate

24th July 2018

Get an SSL certificate

SSL certificates used to be used primarily for online banking and ecommerce websites. Now every website needs one. Find out why below.

What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate encrypts all traffic, and data that users input into a website. We all know to look for the padlock symbol in the address bar before entering or accessing any sensitive information online e.g. online banking websites. The padlock serves as an indicator that the website you are using has an SSL certificate configured, and that you can browse it securely. You’ll also notice https:// at the beginning of the URL instead of http:// (the ‘s’ stands for secure) along with the padlock or “secure” icon.

A screenshot showing how web browsers show when a website has an SSL certificate installed
Each web browser has a different way of displaying whether the website you are browsing has an SSL certificate installed.

Why should my website have an SSL certificate?

There are many reasons why your website should have an SSL certificate.

  1. Improve your search engine rankings. An SSL certificate will increase the trust of your website and boost its ranking in search results. Google prioritise websites that use SSL in its listing.
  2. Websites that use SSL certificates can perform faster than those without.
  3. Increase confidence when browsing your website. Users will see a “Secure” message when browsing.
  4. Avoid off-putting “Not Secure” warnings being shown on your website.

“Not Secure” warnings

For a while now, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and other web browsers have started to display a “Not secure” message when browsing any website that does not have an SSL certificate. This is likely to worry users into not trusting the website, and going elsewhere.

A screenshot showing a web browsers displaying when an SSL certificate has not been configured
Many major websites have still not configured an SSL certificate on their website, resulting in off-putting “Not Secure” notices.

From today (24th July 2018), Google Chrome users who visit unencrypted websites will be confronted with much more visible warnings.

A screenshot showing how Google Chrome will change how they display when an SSL certificate is not configured, in future versions.
In Google Chrome, the address box will now display “Not secure” for all HTTP pages.

How do I get an SSL certificate on my website?

You will need to speak to your web hosting provider and ask them to configure your hosting and website with an SSL certificate. Most web hosting providers charge an annual fee of around £65 for an SSL certificate.

Get in touch with us to secure your website with an SSL Certificate today.

Further reading from the National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/serve-websites-over-https-always

Any questions?

If you have any questions in relation to this blog post, contact us. We would be more than happy to help!

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