As technology advances, so do cybercriminals’ schemes. That’s why companies must protect their customer’s sensitive information, which includes addresses, financial information, and medical records. And the best way to do so is with an SSL certificate. It provides a secure link between your web server and visitors’ browsers, encrypting all information so hackers can’t decipher them.
SSL certificates are a must-have for any e-commerce or professional website. If you still don’t have one, here are the top reasons to invest as soon as possible.
Safeguards User Data
When a customer wants to purchase an item from your site, they must provide sensitive information like payment details, full name, home address, and email address. Sharing this sensitive info can put them at risk for identity theft unless your site has an SSL certificate. An SSL jumbles up the information that transfers from your customers to your server, preventing hackers from stealing and using them for criminal purposes.
Builds Trust With Your Customers
When customers see that you care about their data security, they’ll be more willing to trust you and purchase your products or services. When they visit your site, they’ll see a padlock icon in the URL bar, indicating that you have an SSL certificate. Customers will feel safe knowing that their personal information is secure. If you don’t have an SSL, some browsers will label your site as dangerous, which can turn off potential customers.
Gives You an SEO Advantage
Google looks for credible sites to recommend to users. It places those with an encrypted connection in slightly higher rankings in SERPs. If your site has an SSL certificate, you automatically gain Google’s favor and increase your chances of showing up on the first page. The SEO boost might not be too significant, but it still gives you an upper hand over competitors without SSL.
Secures All Your Subdomains
If your site has subdomains like a blog or shop, you can secure all of them with a type of SSL called Wildcard. You only need one certificate to protect everything, making it ideal for business owners with large websites or several subdomains. With a regular SSL, you must purchase multiple certificates for different subdomains.
Adherence to PCI Requirements
If you want to collect online payments, your site must be up to par with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). The PCI outlines various requirements, one of
which is having an SSL. That way, your customers can make secure credit card payments. Once you’ve purchased an SSL certificate, you’re a step closer to creating a safe payment environment on your site.
Security Threat Alerts
If the security of your site is compromised, you must address the situation immediately. The more time you waste, the more vulnerable you leave your customers’ sensitive information. When you purchase an SSL certificate, you’ll instantly get a notification when there’s a threat to your site’s security. You can perform the necessary safety measures, such as changing your username and password and logging any suspicious activity.
The Bottom Line
If you own a professional site, your customer’s security should be your priority. The easiest way to keep user information safe is by purchasing an SSL certificate. Not only will an SSL protect your site and its visitors, but it will also boost your SERP rankings and help you build trust with customers. Learn more by contacting Transformation Marketing at 402-788-2896.