University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

Should you equip your website with an SSL Certificate?

YES!

And here’s why… 

An SSL certificate is a file that creates a connection between a website and a cryptographic key. When you use SSL to secure your website, you are working to guarantee that the transfer of data between the server and the user is safe from prying eyes or tampering. This guarantee of security enhances the trust relationship between your site and the customers who are visiting, inspires confidence that can often convert into sales, and increases the page ranking that companies like Google or Microsoft provide when you show up in their search results.

A website that does not employ an SSL certificate will be branded with a warning to the user that the site is insecure and potentially dangerous. As we move forward, insecure connections will continue to be phased out and some browser developers have indicated that you will soon need to edit your browser configuration to even allow insecure communication between user and server at a not far off date.

Google began providing a "very lightweight signal" in their ranking algorithm for SSL/HTTPS back in 2014. This small ranking benefit has gradually increased as they have decided that SSL/HTTPS is increasingly important in our modern economy.

Obtaining an SSL certificate can be free if you use Let's Encrypt, an opensource certificate authority that provides TLS/SSL certificates to over 240 million websites. Major sponsors of Let's Encrypt include Mozilla, Cisco, EFF, and the Chrome project as well as many others. Using a simple application, you can quickly stand up all of the infrastructure you need to rapidly deploy HTTPS support on your website.

If you are wondering if you should use or deploy HTTPS support on your site, the absolute answer is, yes. It is inexpensive and easy to deploy, provides a heap of benefits, and enhances your users experience and security. There are no reasons not to use SSL or to provide a secure connection to your website.

Interested in cyber security? UATs offer a variety of degree choices, from associate to master degree options. Review the programs available at Cyber Security degrees and contact admissions@uat.edu to get started!