SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts the data exchanged between a web server and a browser. It guarantees the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of information transmitted over the internet. SSL is identified by the HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) prefix in a website's URL, as well as by the padlock symbol in the address bar.

A website that doesn't use SSL exposes itself to numerous risks, both for itself and its visitors. Here are the main dangers and how to protect yourself.

Cyberattacks, a real problem

An unsecured website is an easy target for hackers, who can intercept, read, or modify the data exchanged between the server and the browser. This can have serious consequences, including:

• The theft of personal, banking or professional information of website users
• Misappropriation of the site's or its visitors' identity
• Injecting malicious code onto the website or visitors' devices
• Blocking access to the site or its data by ransomware
• Server overload due to a denial-of-service attack

These attacks can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, legal action, or administrative sanctions. They affect both large websites and small organizations, which are often less well protected.

To avoid these risks, it is essential to use an SSL certificate on your website. An SSL certificate is a digital document that verifies the identity of the website owner and enables the SSL protocol. There are different types of SSL certificates, tailored to the needs and budget of each website.

If you don't know how to do it yourself, we suggest you use a custom software development service.

A disabled SEO

Since 2014, Google has displayed a warning message when a user tries to connect to an HTTP site . It can even block the connection if the risk is too high.

This has a negative impact on site traffic and visibility, resulting in the loss of potential visitors and conversion opportunities.

To improve your organic search engine ranking and credibility with search engines , it's essential to switch your website to HTTPS. This involves installing an SSL certificate on your web server, updating your internal and external links, redirecting old URLs to new ones, and properly configuring your robots.txt file and sitemap.

The loss of trust from your users

Finally, an unsecured website can damage user trust and loyalty. Indeed, internet users are increasingly sensitive to the security of their personal data online. They easily recognize the signs of a secure site, such as HTTPS, and are wary of sites that lack it.

An unsecured website can therefore drive away visitors, who fear for their privacy or security. This is particularly true for sites that request sensitive information, such as e-commerce sites, banking sites, or government websites.

To reassure users and strengthen their trust, it is therefore essential to secure your website with SSL. This not only protects their data but also demonstrates that the site is reputable and professional.

Conclusion

SSL is an essential security protocol for any website that wants to protect itself from cyberattacks, improve its search engine ranking, and build user loyalty. There are solutions to suit all needs and budgets for switching your site to HTTPS. If you're looking for an affordable SSL certificate, check out the offers from SSL2BUY, a provider of high-quality and reliable SSL certificates.