SSL Certificate –Advantages

and Disadvantages

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. SSL is a protocol

used for sending confidential data over the Internet.

SSL creates a secure connection between a web

browser and the server. In this process, SSL uses

encryption to keep the data private. Thus, it protects

data privacy. In this article, we'll discuss the

advantages and the disadvantages of having the feature

of SSL enabled on your business website.

The advantages

Encrypts information

SSL certificate ensures the data you send online are read

by only the intended recipient and none else. In this

process, the data traverse multiple computers before

they reach the recipient. On the way, the data could be

accessed by unauthorized third parties. However, SSL

makes some changes in the original data so that the data

cannot be read by the third parties.

Authentication - improves customers' trust

Having SSL certificate ensures authentication. By

authentication, we mean interpreting the sent data to the

target server and not to unauthorized third parties. This

is important because, as we have said, the data travels

across multiple computers and can be accessed by

unintended third parties.

Before selling a SSL certificate, the provider performs

multiple checks for your identity. They will sell it only

when they verify that your website is a genuine

company/business.

A SSL authenticated website shows a lock icon; and the

page URL starts with https:// and not http://. This

makes it easy for visitors to know that the website is

safe to make transactions with and helps the site gain

their trust.

Guards against phishing attacks

A phishing email contains a link to an identical copy of

the genuine site. When you use your data like user

name, passwords, etc., on this site, the data can be

accessed by unauthorized elements. Having SSL

certificate stalls their access, because your customers

trust only sites with SSL certificate. When the

unauthorized site does not have this feature, your

customers are unlikely to move forward. Thus, you

protect your customers from phishing attacks in your

name.

Better search engine rankings

Google recently added having a SSL certificate as one

of the ranking parameters for search results. Having a

SSL certificate brings your site a competitive advantage

in Google's search engine results pages (SERPs).

The disadvantages

Performance

When a transaction is initiated on a site with SSL

certificate, the process involves encryption and

decryption of the data transferred mutually. Because of

this, the connection slows down. However, a small

sacrifice in speed is worth the extra security. The SSL

certificate service provider should make sure the

process encrypts and decrypts information in real-time.

Cost

Getting a SSL certificate for your business can be

expensive because the service providers need to pay for

maintenance of the infrastructure and they have to

verify your business credentials. All this entails cost.

Therefore, it may not be a viable option for small

businesses.

Expired certificate

You need to renew your SSL certificate periodically.

When it expires, customers visiting your site get a pop-

up message saying that the SSL certificate in your site

has expired, and the site is not secure any longer.

If you do not renew the SSL certificate, you are likely

to lose customers' trust.

A SSL certificate is good for your business because it

protects your customers' data, protects the credibility

of your business, and it is likely to help you build a

good brand image in the long run.

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