Google has announced it will flag all sites that are not encrypted internet by the end of 2017. The words “Not Secure” will in the URL bar, if you don’t purchase and install an SSL Certificate. See the attached photo.
Does this apply to you?
It applies if:
- Your site has a contact form, search bar login or contact form. That’s nearly every site.
- Your website is on HTTP://
If your site has both these conditions, an SSL certificate needs to be purchased and installed. Call Full Orbit Web and Marketing if you have questions or want assistance.
What benefits does the SSL Certificate provide?
Here are two great reasons to have SSL Certificates:
1. Protects Information from Hackers
When info is sent from computer to computer by email it is vulnerable to hacking. It’s possible for card numbers, usernames and passwords to be seen in unencrypted emails. That’s why financial institutions and online stores are already using SSL Certificates. With the SSL certificate the info in your messages is unreadable or encrypted until it arrives at its destination computer. So more computers with SSL certificates will cut down on information that can be intercepted by hackers.
2. Creates Trust in Your Website and Brand
Customers seeing the SSL Certificate will have greater confidence in interacting with your website. It also becomes an indicator of how up-to-date the website and the company is.
What does SSL Certificate stand for?
Good question.
The initials SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and means the computer and the server are connected by a secure connection and information can be sent safely. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private.
You can tell if a site has a secure connection because the letters on the url will say “https” instead of “http”. Most online shoppers will avoid a website that is unsecured or lacks the SSL certificate.
SSL Certificate has following information:
- A domain name, server name, owner’s name and location
- Serial number and expiration date
- Copy of the certificate holder’s public key
- Digital Signature of the certificate-issuing authority
How do I get an SSL Certificate?
You’ll buy the SSL Certificate from your hosting company. Don’t try to buy it from one hosting company and use it on another. With some hosts the process of adding the SSL will be very easy. You’ll select from 3 options, pay and they’ll install it for you. After a couple of days, you can check for “https” in front of your domain to make sure its in place.
With other hosts, there will be more decisions to make. They may ask you to buy an SSL Certificate and an IP Address. You may also need to manually install the SSL Certificate(s).
Feel free to get in touch if you need help with the process.
Full Orbit Web and Marketing is a well known and respected web firm in the San Francisco East Bay. We specialize in web programming, business web design and business marketing for independent businesses with an emphasis on high end residential contractors.