What is SSL, why is it used on websites?

 

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a certificate used to indicate the security of internet websites. Nowadays, SSL is very beneficial when people shop online or want to verify the trustworthiness of a website.

Why do you need an SSL certificate? If visitors or customers enter their information (name, address, credit card, etc.) on your website, you need an SSL certificate to protect this data.

In the past, you needed an SSL certificate if your website collected information about your visitors. However, this is no longer the case.

Google places great importance on SSL usage, and as of July 2018, it marked all websites without an SSL certificate as "not secure." Since then, SSL usage has become more widespread.

Using SSL affects the traffic to your website and helps it rank higher.

Benefits of SSL usage:

1. It presents a more professional image: Every business seeking an SSL certificate undergoes necessary checks by the certificate issuer.
2. Increases visitor loyalty: If you collect any information about your visitors, even through a contact form, having an SSL certificate is crucial. Visitors who know their data is protected are more likely to return to your site.
3. Attracts more customers: If you conduct online sales, customers will likely want to see an SSL certificate. Without it, they might hesitate to spend much time on your site.
4. Protects your own information: When sending documents like promotion codes or receipts to visitors, SSL ensures that the transmitted and received data is secure.

Despite its numerous benefits, one of the most significant advantages of SSL is its contribution to customer acquisition and retention.

SSL certificates come with different levels of security, which affects their credibility and cost:

1. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificate
2. Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificate
3. Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificate