Introduction
Ecommerce requires the highest level of online security, as it is the platform where multiple financial transactions are conducted. Reliable server hosting can provide the security needed for an ecommerce website. Among the various options, the importance of SSL certificates cannot be overlooked. These certificates enhance website security and optimize the site for SEO. Ecommerce web hosting plans often include SSL certificates as part of their packages.
This post is all about SSL certificates and their importance. Read this blog to learn about this crucial security feature and how it can help you choose the right hosting plan.
What is an SSL certificate?
The full form of SSL is Secure Socket Layer. It is a standard security protocol that helps in data encryption at the network transmission level.
When a web browser connects to a website server, multiple data transfers occur. During this communication, the data passes through protocols and certificates for encryption. At this level, SSL certificates encrypt the data before transmission.
After the transfer, the data is decrypted before being presented to the audience.
Why the SSL certificates are significant
When data is exchanged, a process is initiated. Establishing the connection triggers a process known as the “SSL handshake.” During this handshake, both sides ensure they have the correct keys so that the message can be properly encrypted and decrypted.
To ensure that your website is transferred securely, look for a small change in the URL. Every website starts with HTTP, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. When secured with SSL certificates, it changes to HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.
Google considers HTTPS when ranking websites, making it a crucial SEO optimization factor. By using SSL certificates, you can enhance your website’s security and positively impact SEO.
Types of SSL certificates
Based on the level of security offered, there are different kinds of SSL certificates available.
[1] Domain Validated SSL certificate
This is the most basic one. Their main purpose is to validate the ownership of the domain without revealing the website owner.
This certificate is mainly used for personal blogs, personal websites, smaller ecommerce sites.
[2] Organization-validated SSL certificates
Its basic task is to validate both the domain and the legal ownership of the organization. Thus, it proves a website to be reliable and ultimately secure.
Mostly these certificates are used by the businesses, Governmental organizations where an extra layer other than DV certificates are required.
[3] Extended validation SSL certificates
It is the form of certificate that provides the highest level of security. Thorough validation is being done through this EV SSL certificates. This is the SSL certificates that is normally used by the ecommerce websites.
While choose the ecommerce web hosting, you must check out whether extended validation SSL certificates are being provided or not. It provided financial trustworthiness too.
[4] Wildcard SSL certificates
These certificates are being often taken up by the organization who need to maintain multiple sub domains under a primary domain name. Both the main domain and sub domain are completely secure with the wildcard SSL certificate.
Benefits of SSL certificates
[1] Enhancing the website security
SSL certificates are for server-client communication and it helps to secure this communication. Every bit of the data is being properly secured with the certificates and being transferred through the transfer protocol.
Ecommerce websites need to store or use the credit card number, Debit card number, phone number, addresses and many other information that are highly sensitives. Protecting these data is highly required for any ecommerce website.
Hence every ecommerce web hosting must include the SSL certificates.
[2] Achieving customer’s trust
It is very important for any ecommerce website to bring back a customer. When a customer finds its completely safe and easy to complete any transaction through secure environment, obviously they will come back again.
Ecommerce website must bring back customers to get on going the business. With the SSL certificate you can get the “https” which ensures the customers that they are at safe place.
[3] SEO optimization
Any secured website is highly preferred by the Google. Google algorithm is so designed that it ranks only the secure websites at the top. So having SSL certificates changes your domain name with the “https.” Thus, it helps in getting the SERP’s trust too.
With the ecommerce sites with SSL certificates, they will get higher ranking and thus higher traffic too. Secure connection is only established with the SSL certificate.
[4] Legal compliance
SSL certificates play a significant role in fulfilling the legal compliance and various other rules and requirement.
Ecommerce website must maintain the laws of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard mandate having the SSL certificates otherwise it cannot proceed.
What if there are no SSL certificates?
Have you ever imagined a world without SSL certificates?
Any information shared through a website without SSL certificates is easily accessible to hackers. They could steal money and access addresses within minutes.
Any eCommerce website that fails to provide this level of security can completely destroy its ability to conduct business online. Additionally, your website might not be visible, as modern browsers alert users about unsecured sites.
Without SSL certificates, there is no gain.
Conclusion
We cannot ignore the significance of SSL certificates. As the owner of any e-commerce site, choose e-commerce web hosting plans with detailed information. Check the types and levels of certificates provided by the hosting provider.
If you prioritize website security, your business will likely be successful with less effort. With increased credibility, your website will achieve higher visibility and attract more traffic.