The Importance of SSL/TLS Certificates and Why You Need It
SSL means Secure Sockets Layers, and it’s a security protocol invented over two decades ago that encrypts and authenticates data sent from one application (for instance, your browser) to the intended web server.
TLS, or Transport Layer Security, is the newer version of SSL. Sometimes, you see it referred to as “SSL/TLS.” And other times, you’ll only see SSL, but they actually mean SSL/TLS.
But why is it so important? Let’s take a brief look at why SSL/TLS has been the standard protocol used across the world for so long.
Why Your Business NEEDS SSL/TLS Certificates
Here are the main benefits and reasons why SSL/TLS is a must in 2022 and beyond.
SSL Provides Security and Protection for Your Data
SSL’s main purpose and reason for being invented are to protect communications between the client and the server. Once the SSL/TLS certificate is installed, it encrypts the information sent. And it can only be decrypted by whoever has the right key. Without the decryption key, the data is useless.
SSL Authenticates Identity
Another key function of SSL/TLS is confirming the identity of the website. Upon signing up for your SSL certificate, you have to register with the Certificate Authority, who will confirm that you are the business you claim to be. That way, when someone comes to your site, they are indicators that prove you’re who you are and the visitor can trust they are in the right place.
SSL/TLS is Needed for PCI/DSS
If you’re a store or need to accept payments for any reason, then you need to be compliant with PCI/DSS guidelines and regulations. And one of the key requirements is SSL/TLS to protect payment data being sent from the customer’s phone/PC to your server. If you don’t have the certificate, then the credit card companies and payment processors won’t let you accept payments online.
SSL/TLS Helps Your Standing With Google
In 2018, Google pushed to make SSL mandatory if you want to rank on their top page. If you don’t have an SSL certificate, it will negatively impact your potential rankings. There will also be a pop-up from the browser letting visitors know the site is not secure. And it’s more than possible that Google may completely ban unsecured sites altogether in an effort to defeat hackers and bad actors on the internet.
Final Thoughts
SSL/TLS certificates not only give people peace of mind that they're on a secure and trustable site, but it’s also required in some cases– especially if you want to accept online payments. And as we move forward, it will be an essential part of any web-based activities.