A secure website can provide a sense of comfort and trust to its visitors. For this, Secure Socket Layer or SSL takes an important role.
By using SSL, you can assure website visitors that they can browse your website without worrying about insecurity. SSL has become very important, especially for e-commerce or businesses that carry out transactions that involve login credentials, credit cards, and other sensitive information.
Well, if you are curious about what SSL is and what are the functions of an SSL certificate, then we can find out together here through this article.
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Understanding SSL
What comes to your mind when you talk about the meaning of SSL? Yes, SSL deals with digital security. SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer which is a security standard that serves to protect the privacy and sensitive data on the internet by using encryption technology.
SSL was first developed by Netscape in 1995 to ensure the privacy, authentication, and integrity of Internet communications. Nowadays, SSL is starting to be known as TLS or Transport Layer Security.
So, if some people call it TLS while others call it SSL, then you don’t need to be confused because the two terms are the same. For your information, this SSL cannot be created arbitrarily because it is only issued by a trusted entity in the world called a Certificate Authority. One of the leading CAs is DigiCert.
However, this entity is not the only one. When you want to choose SSL, you can consider products from other CAs such as Sectigo and Entrust.
SSL Types
Before buying SSL from a trusted Indonesian SSL provider, you must first know what types of SSL are. So, you know which type suits the needs of the website because there are types of SSL that cannot be used by any party.
Domain Validation (DV) SSL
When compared to using free SSL, of course, DV SSL will be better. Although it aims to secure communication between the web server and web browser, this type of SSL is fairly inexpensive.
The publishing process is also fairly easy and fast because it only requires proof of domain ownership and email. This type of SSL Certificate is suitable for entry-level websites or individual websites but still wants to ensure the security of its visitors.
Organization Validation (OV) SSL
As the name implies, this type of SSL OV uses organizational or business entity validation. The process of issuing this SSL certificate is longer than the previous type because the Certificate Authority must check the legality of the applicant’s business through the documents provided.
For verification, you must be able to provide business documents such as a company deed, SIUP, or TDP. In short, proof of website ownership is not the only requirement that must be met for a certificate to be issued.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL
Then what about EV SSL? Extended Validation (EV) SSL is the highest validation standard for companies or organizations that want to get SSL. With this type of SSL, users will get a prestige value that the previous two types of SSL cannot provide.
However, the requirements provided are also very strict so not all companies or organizations can use this SSL Certificate. You can use SSL as a branding method with a green padlock and company name displayed on the website URL.
SSL Advantage
SSL is very important for all types of websites even if the website does not sell products or services. Even personal blogs also need a security solution that we know as SSL. Website owners need SSL and can get one without spending a lot of money.
There are so many advantages or benefits of SSL that can be felt by the owner or manager and website visitors. Curious? Here are some of the benefits or advantages of using SSL.
Protecting Sensitive Information
There is no guarantee that the information sent in the communication between the web server and the web browser will always be secure. Therefore, SSL takes on the role of encrypting any data or information sent over the internet.
Thus, no one can read the data except the intended recipient. Of course, this can prevent theft and misuse of data which is getting more and more worrying day by day. This information can be in the form of a username, password, credit card, or someone’s contact information. This is one of the reasons why websites need SSL.
Encryption and Authentication
Encrypted data is much more secure than unencrypted data. So that it can minimize the anxiety of leaking someone’s data. When visiting a website, especially when providing information or files through a server, SSL can ensure that you are visiting the right website, not a phishing website.
This phishing website can look the same as the official website of all agencies or organizations so that it can deceive internet users who are still new to the use of SSL. Thus, irresponsible parties will collect data or information that they can use for various cyber crimes.
Speed ​​Up SEO Results
SSL may not directly provide benefits for your Search Engine Optimization ( SEO), but it becomes one of the considerations for search engines in determining ranking in search results. Currently, search engines will prefer websites that are declared safe which are marked with HTTPS in the URL name where S indicates that the website is secured by SSL.
Google as one of the largest search engines has announced that having SSL is one of the factors to increase its ranking in search engines. In other words, the algorithm created allows websites with SSL to get a higher ranking on search engine results pages or what we can call SERP ( Search Engine Result Page ).
Trust Indicator
How can people believe if they feel insecure when using the internet? If the website has not been secured using SSL, then visitors will get a notification that they are on an insecure network. This is of course dangerous for those who want to make transactions on the website.
With this notification, they may look for other websites that can provide a sense of security. Isn’t trust important, especially in the digital world where people who come to you must believe that you are the right choice for them?
To strengthen their confidence in your online presence, make sure you use a paid SSL instead of a free SSL. One indicator of using SSL is the lock icon next to the website URL.
If you want to do more, then you can choose SSL which will display organizational details in the SSL certificate details. Not infrequently large organizations and agencies take advantage of the green bar, a feature of SSL that displays the company name clearly on the SSL certificate installed.
Conclusion
SSL or Secured Socket Layer is a necessity for website owners, especially if they want to ensure that every visitor’s sensitive data is encrypted so that it will not leak or fall into the hands of unauthorized people. Selection of the type of SSL Certificate can be adjusted to the needs and type of website.
With the various benefits SSL has to offer, it is not surprising that more and more website owners or managers are looking for the best SSL Certificate products. Moreover, SSL is a requirement for Google as a search engine to get a high ranking in search results.
Now is the time for you to switch to HTTPS and gain more trust from internet users. As a result, you can get more benefits. Hope this article was useful!