Would you shop at a store where your credit card details could be easily seen by anyone? Most likely, you wouldn’t.

This scenario is similar to shopping online at a site without SSL/TLS encryption (HTTPS). Therefore, HTTPS has become the standard for nearly every website, and obtaining an SSL certificate is crucial to use it. Although HTTPS has largely taken over from HTTP, many websites have yet to transition.

Identifying HTTP and HTTPS Websites

To determine if a site uses HTTP or HTTPS, look for the padlock symbol next to the URL in your browser’s address bar. Additionally, the URL will start with ‘https,’ indicating a secure connection. If there’s no padlock and the URL starts with ‘http,’ the connection isn’t secure.

Modern browsers like Google Chrome label HTTP sites as ‘not secure’ and warn users to proceed at their own risk.

If you’ve recently launched a website or blog, obtaining an SSL certificate is essential to avoid being marginalized online. Moreover, HTTPS can enhance your SEO rankings. HTTPS is now considered a basic requirement for website security and user trust.

Understanding SSL, TLS, and HTTPS

The acronyms SSL, TLS, and HTTPS can be confusing. Here’s a quick overview:

• SSL (Secure Socket Layer): SSL establishes a secure connection between a website and a browser by encrypting data, making it incomprehensible to hackers. It can also connect two servers securely.
• TLS (Transport Layer Security): TLS is an improved version of SSL. Although TLS is more secure, the term SSL is still commonly used.
• HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): HTTPS is the protocol used when a website has an SSL certificate, and it appears at the beginning of the URL. Users can click the padlock symbol for more information about the SSL certificate.

In summary, SSL is outdated, and TLS is now used for all SSL certificates, but the term SSL remains prevalent.

Importance of SSL Certificates

Browsers like Chrome display warnings for HTTP websites, yet many sites, particularly international ones, still use HTTP. For instance, Baidu, China’s leading search engine, does not use a secure connection, indicated by a padlock with a red line through it.

Google disfavors HTTP sites, often excluding them from search results and prioritizing HTTPS sites due to default HTTPS indexing. Therefore, an SSL certificate is vital for improving SEO rankings and ensuring user trust and data security.

Benefits of SSL Certificates

Enhanced Security for eCommerce

SSL/TLS ensures that all data transmitted between your server and users’ browsers is encrypted, protecting sensitive information like credit card details from hackers. Users are more likely to trust and shop at your site if it’s secured with HTTPS. This level of encryption helps to build customer confidence and protects against potential data breaches.

Protection Against Hackers

SSL certificates significantly reduce the risk of hackers accessing your login credentials by encrypting data. Even if intercepted, the data remains indecipherable. This encryption extends to any sensitive information exchanged on your site, including usernames, passwords, and personal details, providing a robust layer of security.

Compliance with PCI Standards

Websites accepting card payments must comply with PCI Security Standards, which require an SSL certificate for secure connections. Without HTTPS, accepting card payments isn’t possible. PCI compliance is essential for any business that processes, stores, or transmits credit card information, and failure to comply can result in significant fines and damage to your reputation.

Additional Reasons to Use SSL Certificates

Beyond the primary benefits of security, user trust, and SEO improvements, SSL certificates offer several other advantages that can positively impact your website and business operations.

Improved User Experience

A secure connection contributes to a better user experience. Visitors are more likely to feel safe and stay longer on your site, reducing bounce rates and increasing engagement. Websites with SSL certificates load faster, which is a critical factor for retaining users and improving overall site performance.

Enhanced Brand Reputation

Using HTTPS demonstrates your commitment to security and professionalism. It shows that you prioritize your users’ safety, which can enhance your brand’s reputation and credibility. In an era where data breaches and cyber-attacks are common, having an SSL certificate can set you apart from competitors who may not prioritize security as highly.

Protection Against Phishing Attacks

SSL certificates help protect against phishing attacks. When users see the padlock symbol, they can be confident that they are on a legitimate site and not a fraudulent one designed to steal their information. This added layer of protection can prevent users from falling victim to scams and help maintain the integrity of your online presence.

Data Integrity

SSL certificates ensure that data transferred between the server and the client remains unaltered. This protection against data tampering ensures that the information users receive is accurate and trustworthy. It also helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker intercepts and potentially alters the data being transmitted.

How to Get a Free SSL Certificate

Thankfully, obtaining a free SSL certificate is straightforward. Although paid SSL certificates offer additional perks, the encryption level is the same as that of free ones.

Using CloudFlare

CloudFlare offers free SSL certificates through their Universal SSL program, launched in 2014. To get one, create a free CloudFlare account, add your website, and follow their instructions.

CloudFlare also provides protection against DDOS attacks, spam filters, comment spam protection, and SQL injection protection. This comprehensive security suite ensures that your website remains secure from various threats, enhancing overall site security.

Other Free SSL Certificate Providers

If CloudFlare isn’t suitable, other options include ZeroSSL and LetsEncrypt, both offering free SSL certificates compatible with most hosting providers. cPanel users can get a free certificate via AutoSSL, which automates the process of obtaining and renewing SSL certificates.

Websites like SSL For Free also offer free SSL certificates, with tutorials on verification, installation, and renewal. These resources make it easy for even those with limited technical knowledge to secure their website.

Conclusion

Installing a free SSL certificate offers numerous benefits, including enhanced security, better SEO visibility, and compliance with industry standards. Transitioning to HTTPS is essential for any website to build trust, protect user data, and maintain a strong online presence.

The process of obtaining and installing an SSL certificate is simpler than ever, with numerous free options available. By securing your website with HTTPS, you not only protect your users but also enhance your site’s reputation and search engine ranking.

Take the time to install a free SSL certificate today and reap the benefits of a secure, trusted, and high-performing website.