How To Get An SSL Certificate For Your Website

Did you know that SSL is now a requirement for most websites?

Google Chrome is, by far, the most popular browser on the market. In a July 2018 update, Google began displaying a “Not Secure” warning for any site without an SSL certificate. Other browsers, like Safari and Firefox, have followed Google’s lead, too.

It’s clear that every website needs SSL. But what is an SSL? How do you get one?

What is SSL?

 
SSL stands for “security standard protocol.” SSL encrypts information between a browser and a server, which protects a user’s information when they’re browsing your site. This is especially important when users are entering personal information, like credit card numbers, into your site.

When you have an SSL certificate for your site, your URL will display as:

https://www.example.com/

Without an SSL, the URL looks like this:

http://www.example.com/

Without an SSL, the user’s browser will display warning signs in red, warning that your site isn’t secure. After seeing the warning, a majority of users leave, thinking your site is unsafe.

Why is important to make your Website SSL Compliant?

1. If your website is not SSL Compliant, your website will display warning indicators by browsers. These warnings can prevent visitors from going onto your website and using your services.
2. The warning signs will alert the users to refrain from entering personal information at the risk of attackers stealing their data.
     
3. Your website can be vulnerable to content corruption. Without the SSL security, attackers can hack into your website and upload malware and unwanted ads.
4. SEO penalties. Google can lower your website ranking making your website appear at a lower position in a search result. This can also prevent users from visiting your website and using your services. You can read more in The New York Times’ What Chrome Means by ‘Not Secure’ article.

Have more questions? Contact Us.

How to Make Your Website SSL Certified

You must acquire an SSL certificate and install it on your website. You can also acquire a free SSL which is valid in most browsers but, they usually expire in 90 days, have no warranty and they don’t have a CA (Certificate Authority SSL) to validate them. VND offers you these three options:

1. SSL Certificate Single Domain Self: Purchase of the SSL certificate (You will install it on your own).
2. LetsEncrypt SSL Certificate: Purchase of the SSL certificate plus single installation by VND.
3. SSL Certificate Single Domain Managed: Purchase of the SSL certificate, installation and yearly management by VND.

Having your website SSL certified is a requirement. Prevent your site visits from ever declining and secure your and your visitors’ information.

Is Google still marking your website as Not Secure even though the SSL has been installed? Learn how this could be happening due to Mixed Content in our next blog.