... Secure?

Why your website needs secure https://... to build and enhance visitor trust.

Why is the SSL Certificate so important?
If you know someone who has a website, chances are you have heard of an SSL certificate. An organisation needs to install the SSL Certificate onto its web server to initiate a secure session with browsers. Once a secure connection is established, all web traffic between the web server and the web browser will be secure. Not only is an SSL certificate essential to the security of your website but it also plays a crucial role in how search engines see your website. Browsers have begun alerting users when a website does not have a secure connection and users themselves are quickly learning what to look for—the padlock icon and ❝https❞ in the browser address bar (where the ❛S❜ stands for ❛secure❜). Non-secure sites pose dangers to site owners and customers alike. Survey statistics show 85% of shoppers avoid unsecured websites. Security is now a must-have for all websites—not just e-commerce sites.

What is SSL Security?
SSL is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser remain private. RADAR Network Services is required to install the SSL Certificate (digital certificate) onto its web server to initiate a secure session with browsers. When a certificate is successfully installed on a web server, the application protocol (also known as HTTP) will change to HTTPS, where the ❛S❜ stands for ❛secure❜ and the padlock at the start of the address line will be the evidence of that. No ❝padlock❞ plus no ❝S❞ in http=NOT secure.

When you land on a page that has a form you filled in and hit ❝submit❞ the information you entered can be intercepted by a hacker on an unsecure website. This information could be anything from details of a bank transaction or what details you enter on a contact form. When you visit a website your browser will form a connection with the web server, look at the SSL certificate, then bind your browser and the server. This binding connection is secure to ensure no one besides you and the website can see or access what you type. This connection happens instantly, and in fact, some suggest it's faster than connecting to an unsecure website. You simply have to visit a website with SSL, and voila: Your connection will automatically be secured.

Why do I need an SSL certificate?
Here are four reasons you need an SSL certificate:

1. It improves website security and safer use of Wi-Fi and public networks
Providing adequate security to your website visitors is at the top of our priority list and an SSL certificate is the best way to do so. Personal details are some details an SSL certificate will protect from being compromised. A web server with an SSL certificate successfully installed also removes the ❝Not Secure❞ language from your browser address bar.

2. It improves website credibility
One great benefit of an SSL certificate is that it improves your online credibility. Websites with SSL certificates have a security padlock in the address bar which shows visitors that your website is secure. If your website doesn't have an SSL certificate, your visitors may be forced to go elsewhere. More and more Internet users are becoming ❝web safety conscious❞ these days and with good reason. All websites on RADAR Network Services web servers evidence the padlock security.

3. It is necessary for online payments
Currently I do not offer e-commerce solutions so processing online payments is not applicable to any of my templates. One benefit of the Internet is that people can stay in the comfort of their home and have a look around. This however becomes risky if your website is not secured by an SSL certificate. Putting your visitors personal information at risk can cause serious damage, therefore if you accept any form of personal information on your website, eg via a contact form, you definitely need SSL security.

4. It is mandatory
A few years ago, Google flagged websites without SSL certificates as unsafe. This means that to remain in the good books of Google and your human visitors, installing an SSL certificate on your website is a must in 2020. An SSL certificate is not just important for e-commerce websites. Even if you have a website for your hobby shop, lawnmowing service, or arts and crafts, you will need an SSL certificate to remain relevant on the Internet.