Google announced recently, on their Security Blog, that they want everyone to begin using SSL certificates for their websites starting in January of 2017.
What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral. (info.ssl.com)
What are SSL Certificates?
An SSL certificate is a bit of code on your web server that provides security for online communications. When a web browser contacts your secured website, the SSL certificate enables an encrypted connection. It’s kind of like sealing a letter in an envelope before sending it through the mail. (thawte.com)
Why Do I Need This on My Site?
SSL certificates keep online interactions private even though they travel across the public Internet, and they help customers gain the confidence to provide personal information on your website. If you ask users of your website to sign in, enter personal data such as credit card numbers, or view confidential information such as health benefits or financial accounts, you need to keep the data private. You also need to assure them that your website is authentic. (thawte.com)
So, I Need One For 2017?
Yep! Google’s Chrome browser will soon start flagging sites without SSL as being “non-secure”. This won’t happen in all cases, or right away, but it’s good to get a jump on this. Being able to offer SSL also means Google will give you a search engine rankings boost.
What’s This Gonna Cost Me?
Not very much, if you’re hosted on AloeRoot’s web server. We’ve installed a tool that’ll let us give free SSL certificates to all our customers. Once you’ve given us the OK to activate yours, we’ll have to check out your site and possibly make a few adjustments. So far, in our test sites, this has only taken about 15 minutes at most.
How Do I Get Started?
We’ll be contacting you to schedule a setup date! Sit tight, thanks.