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SSL and HTTPS Are Very Important for Your Website

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In 2018, Google began marking all sites without an SSL certificate as “not secure.”

Who cares, right?

Well, you should! The internet can be a dangerous place. Hackers are constantly probing sites (even yours) for weaknesses, trying to steal visitors’ data and money, penetrate networks, and more.

Ok, but what does that have to do with SSL and HTTPS?

Let’s start by defining some basic terminology. SSL is an acronym for Secure Socket Layer, which is an encryption technology used for securing all website traffic and information. SSL secures data communication in two ways:

  • Encrypting data. Without SSL, data (including things like credit card information, login credentials, and other sensitive information) sent between browsers and web servers is plain text. If an attacker intercepts that data, they can see and use it! An SSL link keeps data encrypted and safe from eavesdropping.
  • Authenticating your website. An SSL certificate verifies that your website is who it claims to be. For example, when you visit com, the SSL verifies the website you are on is our site – and not a hacker posing as us.

When a website is secured with SSL, the website address starts with “HTTPS.” Notice the “S,” which stands for “secure.”

Now that you understand the basics, here are the reasons you need the “S” in “HTTPS”:

  • Protection for you. HTTPS helps protect your site from intentionally malicious attackers as well as legitimate, but intrusive, companies like internet service providers or hotels that inject ads into pages. Besides annoying your visitors, these ads compromise user experience and can create security vulnerabilities.
  • Protection for your site visitors. Without SSL, intruders can exploit unprotected communications to trick your users into giving up sensitive information or installing malware.
  • Higher SEO rankings. Search engines like Google are placing more emphasis on-site security when determining page rankings. A secure site is deemed “more relevant,” so Google gives it preferential treatment.
  • SSL is the future of the web. The “S” in “HTTPS” is quickly becoming the minimum standard. Without it, you’re likely scaring off potential website visitors. In addition, most new web tech is being developed only for secure sites. Without SSL, your site will quickly become dated – even obsolete.

Learn more:

Technical SEO: Why Is It Important?

Is your website secure?

Let BARQAR’s marketing experts conduct a free website audit. We’ll review your site’s security, speed, and performance, explain what you’re doing right, and provide practical suggestions for improving your search rankings and driving more qualified leads.

 

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