Ok, if you aren’t a techy person, then this article may sound confusing – and we totally understand – but, if you care about your website, then this may be one of the most important articles you read in 2018.
The term SSL may not be something you’re aware of, but this year Internet browsers are ramping up security levels, meaning all websites will now to be made super secure with an SSL certificate. In this article, I’m going to explain to you all about SSL – what it does, why you need it and how to get it. In a few minutes, you will have it all sussed…
What is SSL?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, an encryption technology used to protect sensitive information passed between both the web browser and the actual server. The best way to think of it is like a secret password needed to decode the data between your computer and the specific server you’re talking to.
So, if some naughty hackers are eavesdropping on your internet movement and data, they won’t be able to understand it, due to the SSL turning it into a secret code.
How Does SSL Work?
You start by acquiring the SSL certificate you’d like to use on your website, installing it on your server and then configuring your domain so that it points to HTTPS addresses instead of HTTP ones.
Once your SSL is live and running, your visitors connection will be completely secure. The user’s browser and the server then use the certificate and its underlying Public Key Infrastructure to authenticate the server (ensuring that it is the rightful owner of the certificate) before exchanging symmetric session keys and forming an encrypted connection.
Why do you need it
Well, web browsers are really pushing security this year and now require SSL as a basic standard. The internet, as we know it, is built on HTTP or Hypertext Transfer Protocol (Here comes the tech-talk). And while HTTP has done us well over the last 20 or so years, it’s had its flaws – especially where security is concerned.
Any information transmitted via a website without SSL is available to anybody to get their hands on. This makes it easy for hackers to eavesdrop on the connection and even more scary – steal personal information.
How to get it
As complicated as it may sound, getting an SSL on your website can be made easy by contacting your hosting providers. If we provide your hosting, please contact us: support@startupactive.com and we will be happy to help.
Conclusion
Let’s be blunt about it: YOU NEED TO GET SSL. It’s no longer just an option – its essential. Don’t make the mistake of waiting for your website to be penalised by a browser or for one of your visitors details to get stolen on your website. Get it sorted now.
