You must have heard about the SSL certificate, right? Is it necessary? Do you really need it?
If you are looking for answers to these and many more other questions, you’ve come to the right place.
First things first, an SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts information sent to the server.
In fact, SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, which is the protocol that provides encryption.
If you are still on the fence about this, here are some of the reasons to get an SSL certificate for your website.
a). Improve security for your website and visitors
By the definition, an SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts information sent to the server using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology.
SSL certificates are typically used to secure credit card transactions, data transfers, and login pages.
This means one thing:
Installing an SSL certificate on your website in Canada improves security for both your website and its visitors.
See, when you have an SSL certificate installed, all data that is exchanged between your web server and browser is encrypted. This means that even if someone were to intercept the data, they would not be able to read it.
In addition to encrypting data, an SSL certificate also authenticates your website’s identity. This is important because it helps to ensure that visitors are actually connecting to the website they think they are.
b). Encrypt information exchanged between your website and visitors
This is the premise of an SSL certificate; to encrypt data as it is being transmitted across the internet.
Encryption is a process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format. This transformation is done using an algorithm that makes it almost impossible to decrypt the data without the correct key.
The strength of the encryption depends on the strength of the algorithm used.
SSL certificates use a public-private key pair to encrypt data. The public key is used to encrypt data, and the private key is used to decrypt it. The public and private keys are mathematically related, but it is virtually impossible to calculate one from the other.
c). Build trust and credibility with your audience
By securing your website with SSL in Canada, you can immediately build trust and credibility with your audience.
In fact, this is one of the primary reasons why getting an SSL certificate for a site has become so important. Because it shows that you take security seriously and are willing to invest in protecting both your visitors’ data as well as yours.
Your customers will know that their information is safe when they see HTTPS at the beginning of your URL – which also happens to be good for SEO!
d). Boost search engine ranking
Google gives preference to websites secured via HTTPS over HTTP. When users input keywords into google, HTTPS sites always rank higher than HTTP ones giving them an edge over their competitors.
Why would you care to rank?
Well, top ranking gets you more clicks and eventually higher conversion rates.
e). Get an edge over your competitors
If two similar sites are competing for the same keywords on Google Search in Canada with one site having HTTPS in its URL while the other does not; then all other things being equal, the site with HTTPS will rank higher.
If you are serious about your website and want to give it every chance of success then securing it should be a no-brainer!
f). Comply with data privacy regulations
The Canadian government has been working on data privacy laws for quite some time.
These regulations come into effect in 2018, and companies with an online presence are now required to comply by encrypting user information.
Getting an SSL certificate is one way of ensuring that your company complies with these upcoming regulations.
g). Avoid browser warnings & notifications for users visiting HTTP sites in Chrome 68+ versions or Firefox 32+.
When an internet user is browsing websites that have not been secured via an SSL certificate, they will now see a “Not Secure” warning message displayed in the browser address bar.
This is highly likely to dissuade potential website visitors from interacting with your site; increasing the likelihood of losing valuable customers and revenue.
How to pick the right SSL for your project
a). Understand your needs
The first step is to understand what your project needs in terms of security and authentication.
Once you know that, you can begin narrowing down your options by looking at the different types of SSL certificates available and their features.
From there, it is a matter of finding a reputable provider that can give you the best price for the level of security you need.
b). Compare features and prices
Not all SSL certificates are created equal, so it’s important to compare their features and prices before making your final decision.
In general, more expensive certificates offer more robust security, while cheaper ones may be sufficient for less sensitive data.
It is also worth considering whether you need extra features like Wildcard SSL Certificates or Extended Validation (EV)SSL Certificates.
Lastly, make sure to read the fine print so you know exactly what is included in your purchase.
c). Choose a reputable provider
There are many providers of SSL certificates out there, but not all of them are equally trustworthy. When making your decision, look for well-established companies with positive customer reviews.
It is also a good idea to check if the provider has been accredited by a reputable organization like WebTrust or Symantec.
See our SSL prices here.
Read also: Types of SSL Certificates in Canada: Which One Should You Pick?
SSL FAQs
Are SSL certificates mandatory?
While not required by law, SSL certificates are becoming increasingly necessary for website owners looking to protect their visitors’ information.
SSL certificates create a secure connection between a website and a user’s browser, ensuring that any data exchanged between the two remains private.
Many web browsers now display warnings or even block access to websites that do not have an SSL certificate, making it more important than ever for website owners to obtain one.
What happens if I don’t have an SSL certificate?
If you don’t have an SSL certificate, your website will still work, but it will be unsecured. This means that any information transmitted between your website and visitors’ computers will be vulnerable to interception.
Who needs an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is a must for any website that wants to be taken seriously. It encrypts communications between the website and visitors’ web browsers, ensuring that sensitive information stays private. It also provides authentication, proving that a website is who it says it is.
SSL certificates are particularly important for eCommerce websites, as they handle sensitive customer information like credit card numbers and addresses. Any website that plans to accept payments online needs an SSL certificate to protect its customers’ data.
Overall, an SSL certificate is a vital part of any website that wants to be secure and trustworthy. Any site that handles sensitive information or plans to accept online payments should invest in an SSL certificate.
How do SSL certificates work?
SSL certificates are used to secure communication between a website and a web browser. They encrypt the data that is exchanged between the two, making it impossible for anyone to intercept and read it.
SSL certificates are issued by certificate authorities (CAs), who verify the identity of the website owner and issue a certificate containing the website’s public key. When a web browser connects to a website secured with SSL, the browser checks that the certificate is valid and has been issued by a trusted CA. If everything checks out, the browser then uses the website’s public key to encrypt any data that it sends to the website. The website can then use its private key to decrypt this data.
Can I use HTTPS without an SSL certificate?
You CAN NOT use HTTPS without any certificate. Here’s why:
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and the website you are connected to. The ‘S’ at the end of HTTPS stands for ‘Secure’. It means all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted. This is important because it means that no one else can intercept and read the data that is being transmitted.
An SSL certificate is required in order for you to be able to use HTTPS. SSL stands for ‘Secure Sockets Layer’. It is a protocol that provides a secure connection between a web server and a web browser. Without an SSL certificate, there is no way to establish a secure connection, and therefore no way to use HTTPS.
Can I create my own SSL certificate?
Yes, you can create your own SSL certificate. However, it is not recommended as it can be difficult to do correctly and there are many free and trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) that will issue certificates for you. If you still want to create your own certificate, there are a few tools that can help, like OpenSSL.
A self-signed SSL certificate can be used to establish an encrypted connection, but it is not as trusted as one that has been signed by a Certificate Authority (CA).