In today’s digital age, online security is more important than ever. With so much sensitive information being transmitted online, it’s crucial to have a secure and encrypted connection to protect against data breaches and cyber attacks. One way to achieve this is by using an SSL certificate.

So, what exactly is an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital certificate that establishes a secure and encrypted connection between a web server and a web browser. It encrypts the data that is transmitted between the two, making it difficult for anyone to intercept and read the information. This helps to prevent data breaches, identity theft, and other forms of cyber attacks.

In addition to providing a secure connection, SSL certificates also help to establish trust with website visitors. When a website has an SSL certificate installed, it displays a padlock icon in the web browser’s address bar and uses the “https” protocol instead of “http”. This indicates to visitors that the website is legitimate and trustworthy, and that their data is being protected.

Why does your website need an SSL certificate?

First and foremost, if your website collects or transmits sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data, then an SSL certificate is essential to protect that information. Without an SSL certificate, that information could be intercepted by hackers and used for malicious purposes.

Additionally, having an SSL certificate can help to improve your website’s search engine ranking. In 2014, Google announced that it would give a slight ranking boost to websites that use HTTPS. While the boost is relatively small, it can still make a difference, especially if your website is competing with others for the same keywords.

Finally, having an SSL certificate can help to establish trust with your website visitors. As mentioned earlier, the padlock icon and “https” protocol indicate to visitors that your website is legitimate and trustworthy, which can help to increase conversions and reduce bounce rates.

How do you get an SSL certificate?

To acquire an SSL certificate from Bluegrass Web Works, you will need to have a hosting account with us. Bluegrass Web Works offers SSL certificates either as part of their hosting packages or for an additional fee. It is essential to conduct thorough research to ensure that you choose a provider that not only offers SSL certificates but also provides robust security measures and exceptional support.

Once you have a hosting account with Bluegrass Web Works and have obtained an SSL certificate, it will be installed on your hosting account automatically. The installation process will vary depending on the type of SSL certificate you’ve obtained and your web hosting package. However, in most cases, Bluegrass Web Works will be able to assist you with the installation process.

In conclusion, an SSL certificate is an essential tool for any website that collects or transmits sensitive information. It provides a secure and encrypted connection, helps to improve search engine ranking, and establishes trust with website visitors. If your website doesn’t currently have an SSL certificate, it’s important to obtain one as soon as possible to protect your website and your visitors’ data.

We have a complete line of SSL Certificates. Just contact us and we can help you select the correct one for your needs and make arrangements to get it installed on your website for you.