By You may have heard the recent news about the major online shift to websites now using something called SSL Certification. But what's it all about, really?
Think about this: you could improve your business website's search engine rankings and provide your visitors with far better security and peace of mind for a low price. Sounds like a fantastic business move, right?
But the truth is that you'll probably have little choice in the matter.
In fact, it's beginning to look like around two-thirds of the web will soon be flagged as unsafe by Google. In other words, if you don't implement an SSL certificate soon, any visitor who tries to access your website will see a great big "Not Secure" warning the moment they arrive.
In today's blog, let's talk about why this is happening.
How does an SSL Certificate work?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the most commonly used security technology to allow a secure link between your computer and the websites you visit. Without one, a truly secure connection can't be established between your browser and the website, meaning your information may be in jeopardy of falling into the wrong hands.
Why?
Because an SSL certificate encrypts (converts to code) the sensitive information you share with a web server. The Internet is essentially a network of connected computers, so any computer your information passes through has access to your username and password, your credit card number, and any other sensitive info you plug into sites unless it's safely encrypted.
Why Your Website Needs an SSL Certificate
If you own a business website and want your visitors and customers to feel safe sharing their information with you, you need an SSL certificate. Once you have one, the HTTP in your address bar will read as HTTPS (the S stands for secure). By doing so, you'll show your customers that you care about the safety of their important data, build trust, and encourage them to do business with you.
If you ignore the necessity of encryption, you might not notice the downward turn in visitors and online sales at first. But over time, your visitors will recognize your lack of security, and choose to do business with companies whose websites offer the security of SSL certification.
Plus, it's also risky for your website itself. Without an SSL certificate, you're opening yourself up to all kinds of external threats that can wreak havoc on your business -- not to mention having a huge warning pop up anytime someone tries to access your site. That kind of red flag will dissuade just about anyone from clicking any further, other than people with malicious intent.
At GroupM7, we always have our customers' best interests at heart. That's why we're rolling out a company-wide program to make all of our websites fully secure by Google's July 2018 deadline. We'll set your website up with a 3 year period of encryption, and renew your site's SSL certificate at the end of the three years.
Show your customers you care about their security. Contact GroupM7 today to learn how you can ensure that security with SSL Certification -- before it's too late.
Aaron Dunn
Aaron is a writer by trade with several years of professional experience under his belt. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Before joining the Group, he worked as a freelancer and tech reviewer in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Aaron currently lives in Pittsburg, TX. 
