WordPress Tips

Secure Socket Layer, or SSL, is a security protocol that encrypts the communication between a web browser and web server. In this age of higher internet vulnerability, WordPress SSL certificates offer an added security layer by ensuring that the communication between a web server and a web browser is kept private.

When you visit a website, you will notice that the URL is either HTTP or HTTPS. The S in the HTTPS refers to the SSL certificate. Good crawlers also take this into consideration when they are compiling SERPS (search engine results page). A website with WordPress SSL certificate is given preference. This is good for your business and its online security.

In addition, Google Chrome started labelling WordPress websites without an SSL as “Not Secure”. If this happens to you, your visitors will avoid engaging with your business through its website. You will experience a decline in conversions like sales, subscription, and more.

What is an SSL Certificate?

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encrypts the data transferred between your web server and your web browser. When you install a WordPress SSL certificate on your website, the HTTP protocol changes to HTTPS.

How Does an SSL Certificate Work?

An SSL certificate changes your HTTP protocol into an HTTPS protocol by encrypting the data that is transferred from a web server to a web browser. This process of data encryption will protect users who are submitting data such as credit card numbers, names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and other private information.

This is encrypted and transported from HTTPS to your web server. Any attempt of a data breach will not leak out the information because it is encrypted.

Types of WordPress SSL Certificates

Single Domain: Single domain SSL certificates can only be used on a single domain or a single IP address at a time.
Multi-domain: Multi-domain SSL certificates can be used on more than one domains.
Wildcard: A Wildcard SSL certificate is used on a single domain but can be extended to multiple sub domains.
Multi-domain Wildcard: As the name suggests, the multi domain wildcard is a hybrid of both, multi domain and a wildcard SSL certificate. This means that the SSL certificate can be used on multiple domains and also multiple sub domains.

Do You Need a WordPress SSL Certificate

There are multiple reasons why you would need an SSL certificate, but they primarily fall into one of two categories: security and SEO.

Security

You will find many reasons why you should have an SSL certificate on your website. However, security is an absolute must. HTTPS protocol protects your customers and your business’s security with data encryption.

WordPress SSL certificates also provide authentication. In some cases, sensitive data may be sent to an imposter server trying to steal data. A WordPress SSL certificate prevents this from happening, and the information goes to the correct server.

Also, this added security layer boosts your user’s confidence in your online business. An HTTPS website gives users assurances about entering their sensitive data without any hesitation.

SSL and SEO

As noted above, WordPress SSL certificates make a positive impact on your Google SERPs. Google directs users to websites that have high levels of security and are safe to engage with.Having an SSL certificate signals to Google that the website is secure and safe for visitors. Without an SSL certificate, your chances of ranking high in SEO will be slim.

You should always consider a WordPress SSL certificate for your business websites. They protect sensitive data while making your website look more professional. For more information, contact us today. We can assist with a WordPress SSL Certificate as well as upgrading other security options.