Few things drive visitors away faster than a “Not Secure” warning in their browser. Whether you’re running an online store, a personal blog, or a business website, an SSL certificate is essential for protecting your visitors and securing your data.
In this guide, we’ll explain SSL, why it matters, and how to get the correct SSL certificate for your website.
What Is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security technology that establishes an encrypted connection between a web server (host) and a web browser (client). This encryption ensures that all data exchanged between the two remains private and secure, protecting against hackers, identity theft, and cyberattacks.
When a website has SSL, its URL begins with “https://” instead of just “http://”, and a padlock icon appears in the browser address bar—indicating a secure connection.
Understanding How the SSL Connection Protects Your Data
Using an SSL certificate creates an encrypted connection between the user’s web browser and the web server. This means that any data transmitted between the web server and the web browser can not be read without first being decrypted. This protects the data from being spied upon by someone else on the internet because they will not be able to understand the encrypted data. Without an SSL, anyone able to see your data transfer would be able to read all data sent or received — including confidential, sensitive information like credit card numbers.
How SSL Protects Your Website and Visitors
Without SSL, any data exchanged between a website and its visitors can be intercepted. Login credentials, personal information, and payment details could be exposed.
With SSL, all data is encrypted, so even if someone intercepts it, they won’t be able to read it. This is especially important for eCommerce sites, membership-based platforms, and any site handling user data.
How It Works:
- A visitor enters your website by typing https://yourwebsite.com.
- Your web server responds by initiating an SSL handshake to verify its security certificate.
- Once verified, the connection between the visitor’s browser and your site is encrypted, keeping all data private and secure.
How to Tell if a Website Is Using SSL
Web browsers make it easy to identify secure websites. When you visit a site with SSL:
- A padlock icon appears in the address bar
- The URL begins with “https://” instead of “http://”
- Clicking on the padlock icon provides details about the certificate, including the domain name, certificate authority, and expiration date
If a website does not have SSL, browsers may display warnings like “Your connection is not private,” which can drive visitors away.
The Benefits of an SSL Certificate for Your Website
- Enhanced Security
SSL protects sensitive customer data from hackers and cyber threats, ensuring a safe browsing experience.
- Increased Visitor Trust
Customers who see the padlock icon feel confident that their information is secure, which is essential for online transactions and memberships.
- Higher SEO Rankings
Google prioritizes HTTPS-enabled sites, which means adding SSL can help improve your search rankings.
- Required for Online Payments
If your website processes payments, an SSL certificate is a must-have to meet PCI-DSS compliance standards.
How to Get an SSL Certificate for Your Website
InMotion Hosting makes it easy to secure your website with an SSL certificate. You have two options:
- Free SSL Certificate: Included with all InMotion Hosting plans, activated via cPanel or AMP
- Premium SSL Certificate: Offers higher validation levels, trust indicators, and additional security features
Launch your web presence quickly and easily with Shared Hosting. Our user-friendly hosting is perfect for everyone, providing the fastest shared hosting experience possible, all powered by cPanel.
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Secure Your Website Today
An SSL certificate is no longer optional—it’s essential for security, trust, and better search engine rankings. Whether you’re running an online store, a business site, or a personal blog, securing your site with SSL ensures your visitors’ information stays safe and private.
Get started today with InMotion Hosting’s Free or Paid SSL options and build a more secure, trusted website.