Semalt: What Is SLL

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It sounds a little bit technical, and it is right to think so because the technology behind it is exactly that. However, the concept around it is quite simple. It works by protecting the data for the customers who visit the website. Since the data travels across the internet to the owner's server, there is no telling who gets a hold of it while in transit. When the SSL is at play, it encrypts all the data so that it is only the host's server and the user's browser that can read it.

Ryan Johnson, the Senior Sales Manager of Semalt, says states that one of the reasons why SSL is necessary is that it's easy to intercept data over the internet. Such an attack is called man-in-the-middle attack. Research has shown that it is quite easy for hackers or people with malicious intent to intercept a web traffic. They can target anything from credit card details to the information typed in the form of a contacts page.

In reality, most websites that deal with highly sensitive information already use the SSL technology. These are the ones that use credit cards to process information, thus putting the customer's information at risk. It should be a reference point for people looking to own their website. If it does not have SSL technology in place, they should consider getting it immediately. It is also important to incorporate SSL technology even if the site does not process credit card information. There are several reasons given for this, including the manner in which Google treats sites that have SSL.

Google Chrome and SSL

Among the most popular browsers, today is Google Chrome. At the beginning of the year 2017, the browser began displaying sites with the SSL encryption differently. Apart from just showing the padlock at the web address box, it is now possible for users to click on it to view more information. If a site is not secure, it gives a warning "Not Secure" warning that it may cost the visitor if they continue browsing unprotected. It applies to any website that collects passwords or any financial information. It is the plan by Google to make this warning more visible even on other pages.

If a website or web page does not have the SSL, then Chrome will inform visitors that the site is not secure which might turn back a lot of visitors. It is for its own good implementing this requirement. However, there are other benefits of using SSL:

Benefits of Using SSL

  • User Confidence. Users understand the importance of encryption which is why the site will boost confidence if it has SSL.
  • SEO. SSL is now a ranking factor in SEO
  • Speed. It uses the newer HTTP protocol meaning that it has a faster page load.
  • Security. It helps protect the owner's and user's information.

SSL Myth Busting

  • Expensive HTTPS. Let's Encrypt, and CloudFlare offer it free together with other sources
  • HTTPS is slow. Websites run faster while on SSL
  • HTTPS is for e-commerce. There is a general shift to serve the whole web
  • Dedicated IP. There is no need for this despite the benefits accruing from dedicated IPs
  • Free SSL less secure than paid ones. They offer the same level of security but differ on the number of features.

After Installing the SSL certificate, check on whether there are any broken links, any missing content issues, 301 redirects, the presence of Robots.txt, and whether Google Search Console is operational. By doing so, it ensures that all pages are at maximum functioning capability.

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