Do I Need Ssl Certifications?

SSL or Secure Socket Layer refers to a protocol developed for the transmission of private data through the Internet, by Netscape. For the use of SSL, there are certificates issued by third party providers (technically regarded as the Certificate Authority). SSL certifications portray as one of the most essential tools that can be used by individuals and business organisations to augment their customer confidence on their products and services in online business, and hence enhance their sales and click through rates.

The use of SSL certificates is mainly focused upon the prevention of hacking onto the computer systems from stealing away any private or confidential data stored thereon. Basically, these certificates facilitate the encryption of data and the utilisation of two different keys, a public key and a private key. The public key is what everybody views.

The private key is though secret and can be known to only the recipient; for instance, the credit card processor. URLs (Uniform Resource Locators) with an SSL connection tend to use https instead of http, where's' stands for secure.

Need for SSL Certification

The question is whether you really need an SSL certificate. You do not need one if customer payments are being processed by a third party provider, like PayPal, Alert Pay or Money bookers. However, if your customer transactions are being processed through eCommerce, there is a necessity to have an SSL Certificate. Many people have an ambiguity to whether they need to opt for an SSL certificate, if their hosting providers have a shared one. Generally, your clients receive an error message onto the validity of the certificate if it is shared, which may result into the loss of your clients as they would then prefer purchasing from another, better reliable website.

So, in order to avoid losing such potential business, you must obtain your own SSL Certificate. Other reasons that compel you to use SSL certifications include that it helps keep your customer information secure and ensure that it is not leaked out or tempered with. Furthermore, a secure website is bound to attract customers, their confidence level and hence, more chances of converting clicks into sales. Many technically savvy customers can easily differentiate between https and http, and look for the same in the URL to ensure their data remains private. What's more? You also gain a competitive edge in the online business that an SSL Certificate makes you website and your identity all the more legitimate and authentic in the eyes of your visitors.