To sign up for our daily email newsletter, CLICK HERE
Do you have an ecommerce store, and you’ve come across the term ‘SSL certificate?’ What is it, and what’s it for? Where can I find a good cheap SSL certificate? Well, we know you have a lot of questions in your head. And that’s exactly why we’ve written this blog post.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover everything you need to know to understand whether your ecommerce website needs an SSL certificate or not. Let’s get started!
What is an SSL Certificate?
The term ‘SSL certificate’ comes from the security protocol ‘secure sockets layer.’ This protocol was invented to encrypt the information between the server and its users (client). Today we’re using an evolved version of this protocol known as ‘TLS’ (transport layer security). Thus technically, an SSL certificate is a TLS certificate.
An SSL certificate is a data security technology that serves two purposes: encryption and authentication. By encrypting the in-transit data, an SSL certificate turns the data into an undecipherable format so that cyber attackers cannot see or tamper with it.
Let’s say a user types in their password ‘mypasswordisn’t1111’. The SSL certificate would turn it into something like ‘#g830$!ki0sv.’
The second important function of an SSL certificate is to authenticate websites on the internet. It helps users know that they’re communicating with the website or organization that the website suggests. This is done by verifying the ownership and identity of website owners before issuing SSL certificates.
How do SSL Certificates work?
SSL certificates work on the ‘public key infrastructure (PKI) technology.’ This ecosystem is governed by entities known as ‘certificate authorities (CAs). These authorities are responsible for everything – from the vetting process to issuing certificates. Thus, if you want an SSL certificate, you must purchase and undergo the vetting process.
Upon completion of the verification process, these authorities issue certificates to you. The certificate consists of certificate files, a private key and a public key.
The public key, as the name suggests, is publicly available. You can see it by clicking on the padlock icon you see on your browser. Every SSL certificate comes with a unique pair of the public-private key. The public key is responsible for encrypting the information, while the private key decrypts it. The private key is supposed to be kept securely on the server.
The topic of SSL certificates is quite deep, but we hope you can understand their importance in the digital world. Without these certificates, our virtual world would be in chaos. Now, if you have or plan to have an ecommerce store, it becomes important to know why you should get an SSL certificate. Let’s see why.
5 Reasons Why an Ecommerce Store Needs an SSL Certificate
1. Increased Security
The e-commerce industry has been one of the prime targets of cyber perpetrators. It’s no surprise as these are the websites on which they can hope to get the sensitive financial information of many users.
As it encrypts the in-transit data, an SSL certificate thwarts data theft and manipulation attempts. Even if a hacker intercepts the data, it’ll be encrypted, and it’s almost impossible for them to convert it into its original form.
SSL certificates also protect against phishing attacks. If you have an SSL certificate issued for your organization, it’ll display it in certificate details so that users can verify your identity. As a result, scammers posing as your company won’t be able to get an SSL certificate issued in your name.
2. User Trust
Cyber attacks have become an everyday affair, and that’s why many users are quite hesitant when purchasing something online, especially from small businesses. You’ll need to bridge this trust gap as a business owner, and an SSL certificate can help you.
When users see the padlock and your organization details displayed, they’re bound to feel more secure. So they’ll type in their passwords and credit card numbers without hesitation.
3. PCI-DSS Compliance
Any website accepting online payments must comply with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) requirements. It outlines 12 requirements that any ecommerce store must comply with. Installing an SSL certificate is one of those requirements, which is why it’s necessary.
4. Brand Reputation
Taking the best steps to ensure user security and communicating with them creates a feeling of trust in them. This trust will spread to new audiences through word of mouth, and your reputation is bound to be enhanced.
5. Bypass Penalties
When you don’t have an SSL certificate installed on your website, the browsers will display a warning message to your website visitors. Most users are bound to bounce away seeing this and are unlikely to ever return to your website.
In addition, when ranking the websites, Google prioritizes websites with an SSL certificate installed on them. So, if you’re hoping for users to come through Google, you will need an SSL certificate.
Final Word
There was a time when an SSL certificate was an option, but not anymore. If you have or are planning to launch an ecommerce site, then an SSL certificate is an absolute must. It’s not a cost; it’s an investment. We also provide cheap wildcard ssl and cheap code signing certificate.
