SSL is not just implemented for security/IT professionals; it’s the spine of your online safety. SSL shields your sensitive information as it appears and moves across the worldwide web by encrypting data; enabling access to only the intended recipient.
“With an SSL certificate, any information that is transmitted becomes encrypted by inserting random characters into the original message making it unreadable to everyone except the intended server. This makes it nearly impossible for hackers to steal your information.”
While SSL isn’t relative for protecting credit card information or the like, it is still essential for the everyday user. By browsing websites that offer a proper SSL certificate for authentication, you can rest assured knowing the information you’re sending is reaching the intended receiver – and the intended receiver alone.
SSL is a necessity for website owners; there is no question about it. Without SSL, your website will automatically be marked “not secure”. Likewise, when it comes to everyday online users, security precautions should still be followed. If a website doesn’t have SSL installed, you should consider finding an alternative.
Unfortunately, website owners using SSL do suffer one setback: cost. Although the price isn’t too outrageous, it can definitely add up – especially if you own multiple websites. The standard SSL certificate can range from $10 to $100 a year, depending on the host.
Installation is actually fairly easy:
“To install SSL on your server, you must generate a certificate signing request (CSR). This will determine which server will use your certificate as well as the domain names using the SSL. Once this is done, you are able to request an SSL certificate.
If you are not hosting on your own server, then you need to provide documents stating that you are the true owner of the domain in question. After you have been issued an SSL certificate file, you can install it on your server.”