Do you need an SSL Certificate?

At NW Design we're passionate about security and data protection which is why our head software engineer, proficient in internet security spent the past 18 months developing our own very bespoke website framework RedPrism.

What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, a standard encryption technology used to transfer data from a user’s browser to the web server. Websites use SSL encryption to prevent hackers from intercepting and misusing the data users leave on a website (via checkout pages, as well as registration or contact forms). SSL mostly functions using public and private encryption keys, out of which the former is used to scramble the information, while the latter decrypts it so that it could be read by someone monitoring the transmission.

On a website, the secure transfer via a standard SSL certificate is marked with https:// in front of the website URL in the address bar, as opposed to http:// that represents a standard protocol on websites that do not use SSL. When a person visits a https:// page, therefore, his or her communications, data and transactions are safe from potential information skimming or sniffing. Quite logically, this is particularly important for Company and eCommerce websites that collect personal information, where the use of SSL certificates is a matter of corporate credibility.

Key considerations when getting a SSL certificate Having an SSL certificate on a business website can largely shape the way consumers perceive the company. However, SSL certificates come in different types and there are several things that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the right one and this is where we can help. Over the past couple of years we've seen other web design firms move sites from http:// to https:// and fail miserably. They've caused clients website rankings crash through the floor because they haven't followed 5 simple rules (it's a secret).

Are we Secure?

Yes we are, we moved our website to https:// back in 2014 for both the marginal SEO benefits which were to follow in 2015 but mainly because we are keen about our clients security and privacy. Implemented correctly you should see no change in Search engine ranking (we didn't) and you'll reap a small benefit with Googles ranking algorithm.

Should I go https://?

On a new site YES you certainly should, modern server technology means that there is no longer a time delay in loading https sites. This was a problem in the early days of SSL certificates but is no longer a worry. Google stated that their SERP ranking factor now takes into account https sites over http:// sites (although marginally) it's another tick in the box. Finally, how important is your customers data and any data that passes through your website?

If you have an existing site the task can be daunting because it CAN go wrong if not installed and implemented correctly. Luckily we're here to help!

If you are interested in going "secure" with SSL then get in touch. We'll have a green padlock next to your website address in no time at all.