It used to be that we only needed an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Certificate if your website handled credit cards or sensitive customer information. What is an it and how do you tell if it is on your website? In the browser, you will typically see a padlock showing and your actual website address will show as https instead of just http. If you do not have one, your website will show as ‘not secure’.

Today, all websites need an SSL Certificate. Google has mandated it as a safety measure and will show your website as insecure if you do not have an SSL Certificate. Besides the fact that Google wants all websites to show an SSL, there are additional reasons to have one.

• Google made it mandatory in 2018; this doesn’t mean that your website can’t exist without it but it is showing as insecure and is more vulnerable to being hacked.
• SSL affirms identity: When you install an SSL Certificate, there is a validation process set by an independent 3^rd party called the Certificate Authority.
• Better search ranking: Google has tweaked its algorithm to give a leg up to HTTPS-enabled websites
• SSL protects data: The core function is to protect server-client communication or in other words every bit of information is encrypted.
• SSL Improves Customer Trust

Business websites are being hacked on a daily basis; while sometimes, the hackers are going after personal or financial information, at other times, the site is being hacked for malicious intent like redirecting your website to another website. One of the favorite redirects is to a pharmaceutical website promoting erectile dysfunction drugs. While the lack of an SSL certificate is only one way a website can be vulnerable, having one ensures your customers that your site is secure and can also benefit the business through the Google search engines.