In this article we explain what an SSL certificate is, why an SSL certificate is important on your website, when it is mandatory and how to secure your website with an SSL certificate.

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate is a file that ensures better data security between the server (of your website) and an internet browser (such as Chrome, Safari or Microsoft Edge).

Because SSL certificates link a secure key to the connection of a website, data can be stored live encoded, allowing it to be entered safely without the intervention of external systems that want to intercept the data.

In this way, login and payment details such as passwords, credit card numbers and personal data can be used safely on websites that are secured with an SSL certificate.

Why is it important?

An SSL certificate is important for three reasons:

1. Security
   With an SSL certificate we secure the data exchange between your website and the visitors of your website and therefore ensure that this (often) important data cannot be intercepted. Consider completing a contact form, where the website visitor enters data and sends it to you. If this is not secured, third parties can read this data.
2. Trust
   With an SSL certificate you create trust among your website visitors. Websites that are secured with SSL will have a green lock next to their domain name with the word secure next to it. This symbol creates trust for your website visitor and therefore the website visitor is more likely to leave their details to register their child.
3. Google Rankings
   Google announced in 2014 that they would include an HTTPS connection when ranking websites in the search results. In December 2015, they went one step further by announcing that HTTPS (i.e. SSL-secured websites) really get priority in the search results compared to non-secured websites. Using an SSL certificate is therefore positive for the Google rankings of your website.

When is it mandatory?

You are required to place an SSL certificate on your website if you collect personal data. So if your website already has a simple contact form, you will have to secure the website so that this data cannot be intercepted by third parties.

How can I purchase an SSL certificate?

All our websites have an SSL certificate as standard, which is included in the subscription price.