SSL stands for Secure Socket Layers. It is designed to keep communication safe over the Internet. Having an active SSL certificate confirms that your website is satisfying the authentication and encryption requirements. When SSL is installed one can securely access services via HTTPS or other SSL protocols like POP3S, SMTPS, FTPS, and IMAPS. The following are some of the benefits attached to having SSL active on your website:
Data Protection
The core function of an SSL certificate is to protect server-client communication. An SSL certificate helps to protect sensitive information such as logins, passwords, account details and cardholders information for e-commerce websites during Internet communication. When an SSL certificate is installed, all the website information is encrypted. This means that the information is locked in such as way that there is nobody with the key to unlock.
SSL Authenticates Your Identity
There are many frauds out there who want to drive your website visitors to their websites. SSL helps users drive to your real website.
Your Website is Ranked Higher
The major search engines value encryption so much that if you have SSL certificate and HTTPS enabled on your website. Google for example preferentially indexes HTTPS versions of pages over their duplicate HTTP version. HTTPS ensures that your website has better chances to get higher ranking in search engines.
Higher Traffic To Your Website
Being ranked higher increases your chances of having more visitors to your website which in turn increases conversion and return on your investment.
Customers Trust You More
When visitors to your website see it verified and secured by SSL, they feel safe to navigate it. They are more likely to fill in contact forms, add products to the shopping cart and checkout. With SSL, visitors have a higher likelihood of turning into potential customers than visitors to websites without SSL.
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