What exactly is SSL?

SSL is a security protocol used around the globe to create an encrypted connection between a server and a browser. This link guarantees that all information exchanged between the web server and browsers is both private/secure and complete. SSL is the foundation of a safe internet connection and ensures the confidentiality of data in the process of its transmission through the world’s computer networks.

Why Is SSL Important

• Data Encryption: With SSL encryption applied, the information exchanged between the client and the server side is fully encrypted and therefore not easily interpretable to anyone else.
• Authentication: It helps one be very sure of directing information to the right server as opposed to a third party.
• Data Integrity: Through the use of SSL, data is protected from getting corrupted as it is being transferred from one point to the other. It incorporates a message integrity check to stop data from being modified while in transfer.
• Trust: The websites that are equipped with SSL certificates have a small padlock in the address bar which is highly appreciated by the users. Also, since Google gives preference to sites with SSL certificates, your site's SEO ranking will be higher with one.

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How To Secure Your Website With SSL:

1. Choose the Type of SSL Certificate

SSL certificates come in various types based on the level of validation they provide:

• Domain Validation (DV): The simplest level that complements web blogs and other low-profile sites.
• Organization Validation (OV): Offers better validation which is great for small commercial businesses.
• Extended Validation (EV): The highest level of validation, gives maximum trust, fit for e-commerce and large businesses.

2. Purchase and Activate Your SSL Certificate

You can buy SSL certificates from various Certificate Authorities (CAs) like:

Comodo
DigiCert
Symantec
GlobalSign
Let’s Encrypt (offers free SSL certificates)

After acquiring your SSL certificate, you will need to ‘actually’ use it by generating a CSR on your web host account.

Also, Read-5 ways to optimize your brand for e-commerce success

3. Install the SSL Certificate

Installation of an SSL Certificate is dependent on your web hosting provider and the type of server you want to use. Here’s a general outline:

For cPanel:
Sign in to your cPanel account.
Go to the SSL/TLS Manager.
Proceed with the “Manage SSL site” link.
Copy-paste the certificate files and click OK.

For Apache Server:
Transfer your SSL certificate files to the server you are using.
To make these changes active, restart Apache.

Note: Most of these directives are set during the SSL installation process, but in case you need to edit a specific file for your Apache, point it to the SSL certificate path.

4. Update Your Website to Use HTTPS

After installing the SSL certificate, you need to ensure that your website uses HTTPS instead of HTTP.

• Update URLs: Modify all internal links and other resources linked with the page such as images, scripts, and stylesheets to use HTTPS.
• 301 Redirects: Create 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS to make sure that users and search bots are forwarded to the secure versions of your site.
• Update CMS Settings: If your site is, for example, in WordPress, change the address indicated in Settings.

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5. Test Your SSL Configuration

To ensure that your SSL certificate is installed correctly and working as intended, you can use various online tools as follows:

• SSL Labs' SSL Test: It shows your existing and recommended SSL settings in a relatively complex format.
• Why No Padlock?: This tool helps in discovering mixed content problems on your site.

Conclusion

Today, when cyber threats are ever-present, implementing SSL is no longer optional – it's essential. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can ensure your website functions with proper SSL encryption, fostering user confidence and providing a secure browsing experience. Remember, protecting your website's content is not just advisable, it's imperative for building trust and safeguarding your online presence.

Web developers at Being Addictive are well-versed in these factors and help you grow your online business without any threat. Get in touch to know more.

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