Importance of SSL for Websites
1. Data Encryption
SSL involves encoding data that is to be transmitted between the user’s browser and a web server using encryption (personal details, passwords, credit card numbers etc. ) to complex form hackers and eavesdroppers.
Encryption alters information into a format that is hard to comprehend by anyone who has not been granted decryption rights and hence chosen communication channels present a high level of security from eavesdroppers.
This encryption is very important as it helps ensure that users can freely exchange messages under secure networks that are free from prying eyes.
2. Authentication
SSL certificates confirm the identity of the site and enhance the confidence of users when interacting with the site because the user’s browser is interacting with the right site, not a fake one.
Some of the features within this verification process include confirming ownership of the website and reducing the occurrence of phishing scams and overall fraud.
When integrated into website creation, SSL contributes to the formation of the genuine appearance of the site, making the visitors interact with the sites without the fear of getting scammed.
3. Data Integrity
SSL also guarantees that any information shared between the server and the client does not reach other unintended thirds during communication.
Cryptographic techniques are employed to identify any tweaks made to the data to ensure that the information processed is accurate and unchanged.
This integrity check ensures that the data that the user gets as an output is the same that the server sent as an input without any intervention.
This is true since information shared using the internet must be accurate to prevent discrediting or misleading users of the information shared.
Also Read – How To Improve Ecommerce Website Security
4. User Trust and Confidence
Those websites that use SSL certificates provide visual clues like the padlock symbol, the letters ‘https’ in the URL, and a green background to the address bar in certain cases depending on the type of the certification.
These indicate to the users that there has been a secure connection to the site, which reduces insecurity and increases confidence.
Thus, when a user notices these signs or trust indicators the possibility of that user to spend time on the website, provide personal information and make a purchase is high.
This is because they will be safe that their information will not be used by a third party without consent.
5. Regulatory Compliance
Most of the current guidelines and compliance requirements for online processing, for instance GDPR, the PCI-DSS, HIPAA, among others require the use of SSL for any website that deals with such information.
SSL gives the boost needed to help organizations adhere to these regulations, enabling them to steer clear of legal repercussions.
To most of the clients, adherence to such standards is also a legal necessity not to mention the commitment the organization has towards the protection of customer data.
This makes it possible for businesses to align to set regulatory measures, and in the process acquire a reliable and secure business model.
How to Choose Right SSL For your Website or Business?
1. Enhanced Security
These are next level SSLs with enhanced encryption capabilities; they commonly feature 256-bit encryption capabilities and high validation mechanisms.
This high level of security protects vital information like PIN numbers, banking details, passwords and/or any other information which is confidential from being intercepted or even manipulated by fraudsters.
They ensure that technical attacks such as hacking are a thing of the past because they offer super secure SSL making it hard for the hackers to break the codes thereby protecting the common users.
2. Extended Validation (EV)
Increased security, one of the main characteristics of premium SSL certificates, includes an Extended Validation (EV), which means that the web service provider reviews the data of the company to guarantee its authenticity.
The websites that contain EV SSL certificates have a green color bar or a name of the organization in the bar of the browser, which signifies trust.
This improved validation will enable users to quickly filter through online sites which are credible thus enabling the reduction of such phishing scams and increase user confidence.
3. SEO Advantage
The structures known as search engines such as Google prefer those websites that support HTTPS over the ones that do not support this protocol, hence gaining more visibility.
Premium segments of SSL certificates are valuable for SEO since their encryption and validation are more powerful.
Purchasing and installing the premium SSL certificate for business websites enables greater website visibility in the search engine rankings to attract more buyers and therefore greater opportunities to sell their products and services.
Also Read – Artificial Intelligence Trends Driving Modern SEO Success
4. Boosted Customer Trust
Premium SSL certificates include visual assurances like the padlock icon, the https prefix in the URL and green EV bar at the address bar.
These options give a signal to users that the site is safe and reliable for completing the transactions thus, users are engaged in the process.
Using these trust symbols, business organizations ensure that they develop a healthy relationship with their customers, hence improving on their image and gaining the loyalty of those same customers.
5. Regulatory Compliance
A lot of industries face legal obligations and compliance issues to protect data privacy and that’s why many industries have policies like GDPR, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA where encryption plays a significant role.
Such regulations are usually met by Premium SSL certificates as they enable organizations to maintain the required encryption and validation requirements.
Adherence to these regulations not only mitigates legal consequences faced by firms but also serves as an assurance to customers that their information is safe along with proper measures put in place.
Popular Brand offering Trusted SSL Certs
1. Comodo
Comodo is one of the leading companies specialized in providing SSL certificates that can be ordered in a couple of clicks depending on the level of protection needed.
Comodo’s premium SSL certificates have other vital components like the extended validation (EV), 256-bit encryption, and high warranty levels.
It also offers wildcards and multi-domain certificates, which makes it simple for organizations to obtain more than one subdomain and domain under one certificate.
For this reason, easy-to-use management capabilities and customer service available around the clock make Comodo an excellent choice of SSL solutions for many companies.
2. Sectigo
Sectigo, which used to be called Comodo CA, is also one of the prominent vendors of premium SSL certificates. Sectigo provides various types and models of SSL such as EV SSL, wildcard SSL, and multi-domain SSL certificates.
They are also backed by high encryption levels, stringent validation processes, and large warranty provisions. Sectigo can be characterized as flawless in terms of providing ample security for websites and having outstanding customer care support.
3. DigiCert
DigiCert is among the leading providers of SSL certificates, with an outstanding reputation for high-quality security solutions and efficient customer support.
EV SSL, wildcard SSL and multi-domain SSL certificates are offered by DigiCert as premium certificates and come with highly secure encryption as well as extensive validation checks.
Other features that further enhance DigiCert’s service include active CT logging and CA vulnerability scanning, for additional protection.
Being an innovative but at the same time a rather reliable SSL provider, DigiCert is a good choice for those businesses that need powerful and multifunctional solutions.
4. GlobalSign
As a leading provider of SSL certificates around the world, GlobalSign has been known to offer trusted certificates.
These are their high-end products: extended validation SSL (EV SSL), organization validation SSL (OV SSL), and domain validation SSL (DV SSL). Out of all the SSL providers, GlobalSign has a strong reputation as being highly assured and heavily encrypted.
Their certificates are provided with very strong warranty and can also be backed with very good customer support.
GlobalSign’s SSL solutions are meant to provide users with more trust and security on the Web, which is why this company serves numerous businesses around the globe.
5. Certera
Certera is one of the most prominent brands in the SSL certificate market, which offers inexpensive yet qualitative SSL certificates. Certera provides clients with EV SSL, OV SSL, DV SSL for their protection.
Certera SSL certificates deliver the same high encryption, trusted validation, and strong security as premium brands, but at a far more affordable price; making them both reliable and cost-effective.
Conclusion
There are different types of SSL certificates, each designed to suit different requirements; these include multiple domains and subdomains, extended validation and high warranty level.
