The Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. It allows them to exchange information in complete security, protecting the integrity and truthfulness of content that travels on the Internet.
What is SSL?
The SSL certificate is a standard protection for maintaining a secure Internet connection and thus ensuring the integrity of any sensitive data exchanged between two systems.
This certificate prevents hackers and malicious software from reading and modifying any information transferred, including sensitive data such as credit card numbers and documents.
The sides that receive the protection in general are two, for example, a site of purchases and the navigator. There are also cases where protection occurs from server to server, where an application with sensitive data needs to be protected.
Summarizing the SSL certificate prevents any data transferred between users and sites, or between two systems, from being exposed and may suffer attacks.
To do this, it uses a technology that works through cryptographic algorithms, encrypting the data in transit and preventing hackers from reading as it is sent over the connection.
The protected information can be any sensitive data, including credit card numbers, financial information, and other identifying data such as names and addresses.
SSL delivers an environment of total security to users. By activating the technology visual signs communicate to the one you are browsing that your site is authentic and reliable. As if that were not enough, there is a real movement for Internet security.
Sites that have active SSL gain authority in Google’s search ranking and better traffic analysis from tools such as Google Analytics.
Google has even released an official note, saying that starting in January of this year (2017), the Chrome browser will display an alert for users who are using non-secure (HTTP) pages to add passwords or other sensitive data.
Role in SEO optimization
According to the algorithm of Google, there are several factors that influence the ranking of the websites next to the most used search engine on the web. One of them, if you do not know, is SSL.
In 2014, it was announced by Google’s official blog that HTTPS would be embedded as a rank sign.
Still according to the note released would be a light benefit “gaining a weight lower than other factors, such as content quality”, however with the passage of time and the positioning of other organizations in favor of SSL activation is expected the importance of this signal may have increased.
To prove this theory, just search for any keyword on Google and see that the content that appear in the top positions are secure pages.
Relation of trust with the user
The protection that SSL provides is already widespread. Although many people do not know the name of the technology, or even how it works, the characteristics of safe navigation are already common and many users can identify them.
If you have a virtual store, for example, it is common that before making any payment users check if your web address uses an extra “s”, from http to https.
In addition, anyone who browses can recognize other signs, such as a padlock symbol, the green color on the address bar, and a secure site badge. Those who find these characteristics feel welcomed in an environment that respects their privacy, taking care of and protecting their information.
In the information age, there is no better way to strengthen relationships and create a long-term relationship with your customers than by showing respect and attention to your data.
Concluding
As a great sign of the evolution of the web, the use of SSL is increasingly popular. What was once indispensable only for sites and applications with sensitive data exchange, today, for various reasons, it becomes increasingly interesting for any kind of online environment.
As an impetus for a 100% secure web, Neex Brasil has brought state-of-the-art technology to customers who need the SSL certificate.
