If you are setting up a website for your business you want people to know that you are a legitimate business with a secure site that they can trust. You also need to bear in mind that online hacking is common so making sure your site is as secure as possible is important. These are both good reasons why you need to have an SSL certificate for your website.
If you are unsure about the SSL process you can speak to professionals such as Quikclicks, to seek their advice and assistance. In the meantime, we are going to explain what SSL certificates are and why they are so important for your business.
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital document which verifies that a business is legitimate and has the right to own and manage a specific website. If you set up a website for your business you need to have an SSL certificate in place in order to ensure that access to the site is secure.
SSL certificates have to be obtained from legitimate sources such as Symantec, GoDaddy and GlobalSign. These are just a few of the Certificate Authorities you may want to approach if you need to put an SSL in place.
The different types of SSL
There are two different types of SSL that you can choose to purchase; you can opt for a basic certificate or an EV (Extended Validation) certificate. Purchase of the basic certificate can cost as little as US$9.00 and clarifies that you have a legitimate right to manage your website. Authorisation for this type of SSL certificate is generally automatic and once you have made your purchase you can show a secure padlock on your website and your web address changes to HTTPS.
Many businesses find the basic certificate to be sufficient but you do have another option if you think you need more security. An EV certificate is far more expensive to purchase (upwards of US$800). The authorisation process for an EV certificate is also a lot more complicated. In return for the additional cost and effort you get an increased level of security which can also enhance public perception of your business and web presence. You have the right to highlight your web address in green and to place your full business name alongside your web address.
Why is having an SSL important?
The type of SSL certificate you choose is up to you but you need to ensure that you have one. It helps to protect your website and it shows anyone visiting your website that you take security seriously. This is especially important if customer payments are made via the website or if you ask customers for any personal information.
Online security is something you have to take seriously; for the sake of your business and your customers. Hopefully we have explained the importance of SSL certificates and why it's important to have one in place for your business.
