Short answer: yup!
If your website doesn’t have an SSL Certificate setup (the cute little lock icon next to your url), Google has already flagged your website for being insecure. For most of my clients, their website is an integral part of their business; therefore online security should be an absolute necessity and good paycheck management of your business.
Google announced several years ago it would begin penalizing websites for not using an SSL certificate, and in July 2018, began putting that standard into practice. This means if your website does not utilize an SSL security to display your content, a “Non Secure” warning will show next to your website url.
Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Over 2/3 of websites don’t have a secure url setup for their website. And for those sites, they will display a “Note Secure” warning when users visit their website.
When should I start to worry about an SSL?
- Does your website have a web form, such as a “Contact Us” or “Request A Quote” form?
- Does your website collect sensitive data, such as credit card numbers?
- Does your website have a place for users to login to an account?
- Is your website on http://?
You should have an SSL certificate today.
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, you need to install an SSL certificate to avoid any risks or warnings. Not only will your site users be warned that their information is not secure, but you could be in violation of terms with 3rd parties, such as payment processors.
What is an SSL certificate and how does it work?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the standard security technology used to establish an encrypted connection between a web server and a web browser. This ensures that any data passed between the server and browser remains safe and secure, unreadable by any other, unintended recipients. Without an SSL certificate, the connection between the web server and browser is susceptible to interception, and that sensitive data is not encrypted.
An SSL Certificate contains the following information:
- The name and information of the certificate holder
- A copy of the certificate holder’s public key
- The certificate serial number and expiration date
- The Digital Signature of the certificate-issuing authority
Besides making Google happy, why is it important for me to have an SSL certificate?
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybersecurity damages will cost the world over $6 trillion annually by 2021.
Here are some great reasons to have an SSL certificate installed on your website.
1. Sensitive data encryption
When you submit your information on a website, it is passed from one computer to another to get to the desired server. Any computer in between you and the final server could potentially see your your sensitive information if it isn’t encrypted. With an SSL security installed, the information is first encrypted before it is sent to the server, and is unreadable by anyone in between. It makes your sensitive data completely useless to anyone other than it’s intended recipient.
2. It protects YOU from hackers
Cybercrimes are becoming a standard part of our online experience. Without an SSL certificate, you and your website are sitting targets for scammers and hackers. They specifically look for vulnerabilities to exploit, and the easiest place to look is for non secure information being transmitted.
Installing an SSL certificate can offer you and your site users safety and confidence against transit-based hacks.
3. It builds trust and confidence
With an SSL certificate, your customers will see trust inspiring visuals, such as a lock icon that indicates well-trusted encryption is in use. As web users are becoming more and more familiar with seeing these trust factors on major websites, such as Amazon and Google, as well as many more smaller websites, they will come to expect from EVERY website they use. It is becoming less of a perk, and more of a requirement.
Conclusion
Before Google flags your website and your customers decide to look elsewhere, install an SSL certificate and secure your url and your website.
Need help? Ask us!
FAQS
Does Google REQUIRE an SSL certificate?
Yes, Google is pushing website owners to implement SSL certificates on any and all websites. Google is the primary search engine available, and establishing trust with it’s users is paramount. To meet those needs, Google has prioritized secure websites when providing search results to it’s users. Which means, if you don’t have an SSL certificate, it will effect your rankings, or you won’t rank at all.
Do I need to install an SSL certificate?
Unless you have a website that does not transmit ANY data (including web forms, search fields, user tracking, login forms, payment forms) , you are not concerned with being shown in search results, AND you are aren’t concerned with the trust of your users… then yes, you need an SSL.
Can I get an SSL certificate from Google directly?
No, Google does not sell SSL certificates.
How do I get an SSL certificate?
Any quality hosting provider can provide an SSL certificate, some will install them for you for free as well.
Guido Media offers a variety of SSL certificates along with installation service. Let us know how we can help you get secure, get in touch today!