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What is SSL and Why is it Essential for Your Website?

Domain Essentials
Cursor pointing at the word 'Security' on a computer screen, representing online security concepts.

In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of your website is paramount. One of the foundational elements of website security is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).

This article will introduce you to the basics of SSL, explain why it is essential for your website, and provide insights into how it can protect your online presence.

Imagine visiting a website to purchase a super-deluxe, veggie-pulverizing blender, only to be warned that the site is not secure. You’d likely hit the close button and look elsewhere. 82% of consumers would do the same.

The demand for online security is higher than ever, driven by high-profile hacks and data breaches. Protecting your customers’ data and gaining their trust is crucial as a business owner. This is where SSL comes into play.

What is SSL?

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a standard security technology that establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser remains private and integral.

Think of SSL as a secure route for your data, similar to how cash is transported from an ATM to a bank. Without SSL, this route is vulnerable to interception by hackers, much like robbers intercepting a cash van. SSL ensures that the data traveling between the server and the browser is encrypted, making it inaccessible to hackers.

SSL was once essential only for businesses handling credit card transactions or other sensitive details. However, the landscape has changed. Now, even sites that collect minimal information, such as email addresses, need SSL. Browsers like Google Chrome alert users when a site is “Not Secure,” which can deter visitors.

Moreover, SSL is a factor in Google’s search ranking algorithm, making it beneficial for SEO.

How SSL Works

SSL works by using a cryptographic system that employs two keys to encrypt data – a public key known to everyone and a private key known only to the recipient of the message. When a browser attempts to access a website secured with SSL, the following process occurs:

  1. Browser requests a secure page (usually by URL beginning with https://).
  2. Server sends a copy of its SSL Certificate to the browser.
  3. Browser checks whether it trusts the SSL Certificate.
  4. If the browser trusts the certificate, it sends a message to the server.
  5. The server sends back a digitally signed acknowledgment to start an encrypted session.
  6. Encrypted data is shared securely between the browser and the server.

Why SSL is Essential for Your Website

  1. Encrypts Sensitive Information: SSL encrypts the information sent between your website and your users, protecting data such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal details from hackers and eavesdroppers.
  2. Authenticates Your Website: SSL provides authentication, ensuring that visitors are communicating with the intended website and not an imposter. This builds trust and credibility.
  3. Boosts SEO Rankings: Search engines like Google prioritize websites with SSL certificates, leading to better search rankings and increased visibility.
  4. Protects Against Phishing: SSL helps prevent phishing attacks, where malicious actors create fake websites to steal information. Visitors can see the SSL certificate and be assured they are on the correct site.
  5. Complies with Regulations: Many regulations and standards, such as GDPR and PCI-DSS, require websites to use encryption to protect user data. Having SSL ensures compliance with these legal requirements.

Types of SSL Certificates

  1. Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates: Basic level of validation, ensuring that the domain is registered and that the site administrator approves the request.
  2. Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates: Provides a higher level of security, requiring validation of the organization behind the website.
  3. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates: Offers the highest level of trust and security, including a rigorous vetting process and displaying a green address bar in the browser.

How to Obtain an SSL Certificate

  1. Choose the Right Certificate: Depending on your website’s needs, choose from DV, OV, or EV SSL certificates.
  2. Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request): This is a block of encrypted text that contains information about your website and company.
  3. Submit the CSR to a Certificate Authority (CA): The CA will verify your information and issue the SSL certificate.
  4. Install the SSL Certificate: Follow your web hosting provider’s instructions to install the SSL certificate on your server.

Conclusion

Implementing SSL on your website is a crucial step in securing your online presence. Not only does it protect sensitive information and build trust with your users, but it also enhances your site’s SEO performance and complies with regulatory standards.

Having SSL is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for all websites. To check if your site is secure, look for “https” at the beginning of your URL. If you’re missing the “s,” it’s time to add SSL to your site.

Fortunately, adding SSL is straightforward. You can purchase certificates through your domain provider or use services like Let’s Encrypt. At HubSpot, we believe that security shouldn’t be a luxury, which is why we include a standard SSL certificate at no cost for all Marketing Hub customers.

By securing your website with SSL, you’re not only protecting your customers but also fostering growth for your business. Start protecting your customer relationships today by visiting HubSpot’s SSL Checker.