Technical
What is SSL, and why does your website need it?
Secure
When a website address starts with https and shows a padlock, the site uses SSL, more precisely TLS. It sounds technical, but what it does is simple.
What it does
SSL encrypts the connection between your visitor’s browser and your website. Anything they type, like their name and phone number in your contact form, can’t be read by anyone in between.
Why it matters for a small business
- Browsers mark sites without SSL as “Not secure”, which scares visitors away
- Search engines prefer secure sites
- Forms, bookings and logins need it to protect people’s data
- Data protection laws expect you to secure personal data
Do I need to buy one?
Not usually. Free, automatically renewed certificates are standard today. What matters is that someone makes sure the certificate is installed, renews on time and covers every version of your address, with and without www.
Every altoda site includes SSL, installed and renewed for you.
Want this done for you?
Your website, ready in 24 hours. From $49 a month.