1. SSL certification and Ranking
Google never commits that If you have SSL certification, i.e. https tag ,it will give your site’s a higher ranking in the SERP.
However, on August 6, 2014, Google said something very particular.
On this date, Google confirmed that websites with an SSL certificate (https://) would get an added advantage in the search engine ranking. Moreover it is certain that between two similar websites — with everything being equal — the website with an SSL certificate will have a slight spontaneous psychological advantage over the other version of the site that does not have an SSL certificate. This sense of security among your audience will certainly bring more visitors.
2. Where to get SSL Certificater from?
For an SSL certificate to be valid, domains need to obtain it from a certificate authority (CA). A CA is an outside organization, a trusted third party, that generates and gives out SSL certificates. The CA will also digitally sign the certificate with their own private key, allowing client devices to verify it.
3. What is an SSL Certificate?
The SSL protocol that stands for Secure Sockets Layer and its successor the TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols for securing communications on the Internet.
First released in 1995, the SSL standard was gradually replaced by the TLS protocol from 1999 onwards.
So why is it still called SSL? Despite the depreciation of the SSL protocol in favour of TLS, the term “SSL” is still commonly used when referring to this type of technology.
SSL.com defines SSL as:
“SSL 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 browser remain private.”
When a visitor visits an https:// website, the SSL certificate ensures that whatever information is shared, it will not be leaked to anyone. The encrypted connection protects the information.
In simple language A SSL certificate is a digital certificate that allows a website to establish an encrypted connection with a web browser. This connection ensures that all data exchanged between the browser and the website is private and secure.
SSL certificates are typically used on websites that handle sensitive information such as credit card details or personal information. However, any website can benefit from using a SSL certificate to encrypt its connection with visitors.
4. How do I know if a site is secure?
You can tell if a site is secure by looking at the address bar of your browser. If the URL starts with https, it means that the site is secure. A padlock icon may also appear.
5. Pros of SSL certificates
a) Security:
The main benefit of an SSL certificate is the increased security it offers to your website. With an SSL certificate, all data that is transmitted between your website and visitors’ browsers is encrypted. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information like credit card numbers and login credentials.
b) PCI Compliance:
If your website accepts payments, then installation of SSL ensures you are PCI compliant as per the mandate of PCI-DSS. The mandate is that all websites accepting payments must install SSL certificates encrypted with protocols TLS 1.2 or beyond.
c) Prevent a Range of Attacks:
There is a range of cyber-attacks that SSL certificates protect against, using industry-standard encryption to keep data safe. This reduces the likelihood and risk of phishing attacks and identity theft. For example, SSL certificates reduce the risk of phishing or other cyber-attacks by fraudsters who might attempt to steal your computer’s memory cache or browser cookies. In theory, once hackers are even able to create a safe enough replication of a website, it will not display the visible signs of an SSL certificate. While fraudulent/ scam websites created by attackers get OV, EV, or OV&EV SSL certificates very rarely, and if they do, would lose their protections as soon as they are made public.
d) Crucial for Search Engine Rankings:
Search engine algorithms support and endorse websites with SSL. Installing the right certificate from the right authority will boost your rankings on search engines.
e) Customer Trust:
Another benefit of having an SSL certificate is that it can help build trust with your visitors. When visitors see that you have a secure website, they are more likely to trust you with their personal information. This can lead to increased sales and conversions on your website.
f) SEO:
In addition to improved security and trust, SSL certificates can also have a positive impact on your website’s search engine ranking. Google has stated that they give preference to websites that are secured with HTTPS, so having an SSL certificate can give you a small SEO boost.
6. The Cons of SSL certificate is as follows:
a) Cost:
While free SSL certificates are available, they do not extend the level of security and encryption necessary. You must choose a CA who has the infrastructure, expertise, and reputation to provide the highest levels of protection while keeping up with the industry’s best practices and rigors of compliance. This comes at a cost. If you have multiple domains and sub-domains, then your costs increase.
b) Expiry:
The expiration preriod of SSL certificates is a matter to be noted. It must be monitored and renewed to maintain security. This process becomes more difficult as you can’t see what’s going on with your certificate. To address this disadvantage of SSL, reputable providers like Entrust from Indusface offer state-of-the-art Certificate Management Systems (CMS) to make it easy for you to manage your security with one seamless dashboard, complete visibility, and real-time insights.
c) Vulnerabilities:
Having SSL certificates, for the website, are not free from vulnerabilities. The older SSL or the current version of TLS protocols such as TLS 1.0 or TLS 1.1 have a range of vulnerabilities such as POODLE, BEAST, Heartbleed, etc.
Search engines, like Google, have stated that they do not use SSL Certificates as a ranking factor. However, that doesn’t mean that an SSL Certificate isn’t important.
7. Is an SSL Certificate Really Necessary for Ranking Better in Search Engines?
You may have heard that an SSL Certificate is necessary for ranking better in search engines. But is this really true? The answer may surprise you.
Search engines, like Google, have stated that they do not use SSL Certificates as a ranking factor. However, that doesn’t mean that an SSL Certificate isn’t important.
An SSL Certificate provides encryption and authentication. This means that your website is more secure and trustworthy. This can help to increase your click-through rate from search results, as users are more likely to click on a website that appears to be secure.
In addition, an SSL Certificate can help to improve your website’s speed. Google has stated that site speed is a ranking factor, so a faster website could potentially rank higher in search results.
Overall, an SSL Certificate is not strictly necessary for better search engine rankings. Its a psychological matter. Visitors feel safe to attach to work in a secured evironment. SSL certificate props up that feelings of the visitors. It makes a website more secure and trustworthy, which could lead to more clicks and higher rankings.
8. Which Types of Websites Should Get an SSL Certificate?
If you’re running a website that collects any sort of sensitive information from users – such as credit card numbers or login credentials – then you absolutely need to get an SSL certificate. Doing so will encrypt all of the data that’s exchanged between users and your website, making it much more difficult for hackers to steal.
Even if you’re not handling sensitive user data, though, an SSL certificate can still be a good idea. In recent years, Google has stated that it gives preference in its search results to websites that use SSL encryption. So if you’re looking to improve your search engine ranking, getting an SSL certificate is a wise move.
Finally, if you’re running a website that is open to public comments or contributions (such as a forum or blog). An SSL certificate can help to create a feeling of trust among users. Knowing that their data is encrypted will instill confidence in those who are sharing their thoughts and experiences on your site.
9. How many types of SSL certificates are there?
SSL/TLS certificates give website visitors reassurance of authenticity, security and confidentiality. There are many different types of SSL options available all with their unique use cases and value propositions. The type of certificate is determined by the level of authentication assured by the Certificate Authority (CA).
There are three recognized categories of SSL certificate authentication types:
10. Is an SSL Certificate Really Necessary for Ranking Better in Search Engines?
You may have heard that an SSL Certificate is necessary for ranking better in search engines. But is this really true? The answer may surprise you.
Search engines, like Google, have stated that they do not use SSL Certificates as a ranking factor. However, that doesn’t mean that an SSL Certificate isn’t important.
An SSL Certificate provides encryption and authentication. This means that your website is more secure and trustworthy. This can help to increase your click-through rate from search results, as users are more likely to click on a website that has https tag and hence appears to be secure.
In addition, an SSL Certificate can help to improve your website’s speed. Google has stated that site speed is a ranking factor, so a faster website could potentially rank higher in search results.
Overall, an SSL Certificate is not strictly necessary for better search engine rankings. Its a psychological matter. Visitors feel safe to attach to work in a secured evironment. SSL certificate props up that feelings of the visitors. It makes a website more secure and trustworthy, which could lead to more clicks and higher rankings.
11. Which Types of Websites Should Get an SSL Certificate?
If you’re running a website that collects any sort of sensitive information from users – such as credit card numbers or login credentials – then you absolutely need to get an SSL certificate. Doing so will encrypt all of the data that’s exchanged between users and your website, making it much more difficult for hackers to steal.
Even if you’re not handling sensitive user data, though, an SSL certificate can still be a good idea. In recent years, Google has stated that it gives preference in its search results to websites that use SSL encryption. So if you’re looking to improve your search engine ranking, getting an SSL certificate is a wise move.
Finally, if you’re running a website that is open to public comments or contributions (such as a forum or blog). An SSL certificate can help to create a feeling of trust among users. Knowing that their data is encrypted will instill confidence in those who are sharing their thoughts and experiences on your site.
12. How many types of SSL certificates are there?
SSL/TLS certificates give website visitors reassurance of authenticity, security and confidentiality. There are many different types of SSL options available all with their unique use cases and value propositions. The type of certificate is determined by the level of authentication assured by the Certificate Authority (CA).
There are three recognized categories of SSL certificate authentication types:
- Extended Validation (EV)
- Organization Validation (OV)
- Domain Validation (DV)
Within these authentication types, there are also unique variations available to customers.
Determining which type of SSL is best for your website can be a confusing process. First, pick the main authentication type. Then, choose a specific package to meet your unique needs. Some variations are better suited for single domains, while others are formulated toward enterprises with multiple domains or a single domain with multiple subdomains. Learn about each type below so you can choose the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.
13. What is a Domain Validation SSL Certificate?
Domain Validation (DV) SSL certificates are among the quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to protect your website with encryption. It offers a quick validation process—typically taking only a few minutes to issue—and is easy for your visitors to see. This type of certificate does not require proven ownership for the secured domain, making it very popular for internal websites, test servers, and test domains.
The value propositions of DV SSL:
- Validates control of a domain
- Enables https and the padlock icon in browsers
- Issues within minutes
Address Bar of a Website With a DV SSL Certificate: https://mycompay.com
14. What is an Organization Validation SSL Certificate?
Organizations looking to provide a secure environment for customers often use Organization Validation SSL certificates. To get one, you’ll need to prove ownership of the domain and confirm that your organization is legally registered. These certificates are only issued to registered businesses, so they’re better suited for public-facing websites.
The value propositions of OV SSL:
- Validates control of the domain
- Enables https and the padlock image
- Authenticates the legitimacy of an organization, adding a level of trust
- Shows organization details in the certificate information
- Issues in 1-3 days
15. What is an Extended Validation SSL Certificate? (H3)
This type is particularly recommended for all business and enterprise sites, that requests personal information from users (eCommerce, financial, legal and otherwise).If you want to receive one, the owner of the website must meet the authentication requirements for an OV SSL and also pass through a higher level of stringent verification process performed by a human specialist in person. Its a fact that consumers experience greater confidence in the website’s legitimacy on seeing the green address bar on sites and shrugg off all hesitation to engage in online transactions.
Address Bar of a Website With a EV SSL Certificate:
https://mycompay.com/en/
The value propositions of EV SSL:
- Validates control of the domain
- Enables https and the padlock image
- Authenticates the legitimacy of an organization, adding an additional level of trust
- Verifies the applicant has the right to request an EV SSL and is in good standing with the organization
- Shows organization details in the certificate information
- Activates the green bar in select web browsers
- Issues in 1-5 days
16.Wildcard SSL Certificates Secure the Main Domain & Unlimited Sub-Domains
The Wildcard option is used to secure the main domain and an unlimited number of subdomains under the main domain. For example, www.yourwebsite.com, login.yourwebsite.com, mail.yourwebsite.com, etc. Wildcard certificates offer full encryption for the subdomains, making them an affordable and effective solution for most websites. They are available in DV and OV validation options. Address Bar of a Website With a wildcard SSL Certificate:
17. Unified Communications (UCC) SSL Certificates
The Unified Communications type is designed for the Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Office Communication Server environments. This is a multi-domain option that can secure up to 100 domains.
If you need more information on SSL certificate types or choosing the right one for your website, contact Sectigo.
18.Which Certificate is Right for Me?
Not all SSL Certificates are the same, find the right certificate for your site. There are many different options for SSL Certificates; and though they all perform encryption to secure information, not all SSL Certificates are the same.Read carefully the pros and cons of all certificates ad thenn only decide.
19. Conclusion
There is no direct evidence that an SSL Certificate has any affect on the ranking of a website in search engines. However, we believe that by providing a secure and safe browsing experience for users, Google and other search engines will reward websites with higher rankings. In addition, SSL Certificates can help build trust with customers and improve conversions. Overall, we think the benefits of using an SSL Certificate outweigh the costs and recommend all websites implement one.