Protection from Cybersecurity: Importance of SSL
Tags: cybersecurity, ssl
Published: 2024-03-27 06:10:16

The need for online security has grown a lot as more people and businesses become aware of online threats. At the same time, data breaches are also expected to rise in future years. Since these breaches cost billions for businesses, the demand for data security has gone up. Businesses now have huge amounts of data, and hackers try hard to access this sensitive info. 

So businesses must take these attacks seriously and know that attackers will target anyone. The best way to prevent cybersecurity attacks is to secure websites with [SSL certificates](https://cloudminister.com/ssl-certificates/).

An SSL certificate, also called a Secure Sockets Layer certificate, helps create secure, encrypted connections between web browsers and servers. It makes sure no third party can interfere with your online communications.

An SSL certificate establishes a secure network for online communication, so no one can see the information transferred between the web server and the user's browser. SSL certificates are required for e-commerce sites and other websites that take online payments. SSL certificates also help websites rank better on Google search results. Google says websites need an SSL certificate to rank well, showing how important they are for security and rankings. So, SSL certificates play a big role in preventing cyber threats.

You can easily spot SSL-encrypted websites. If you see a padlock icon on the left of the URL, it means the site is encrypted and the URL will start with **https://** instead of **http://.** Whenever you visit a site, check the URL to see if it's encrypted.

Without an SSL certificate, a website may not accept online payments. Search engines like Google display "Not Secure" warnings for non-encrypted sites. These put visitor data at risk since communications are unencrypted, allowing hackers to easily access sensitive information like passwords and bank details.

Now let's learn how SSL certificates can prevent [cyber threats](https://cloudminister.com/blog/site-security-and-mitigate-cyber-threats/) and increase a business's online security.

## **Prevention from threats: Applying SSL** 

HTTPS, the secure version of HTTP, is a communication protocol that keeps sensitive data like bank details, passwords, and usernames private while going between your web browser and the site's server. HTTPS uses Transport Layer Security to keep sensitive information secure.

SSL certificates prevent cyber threats using three layers of security - encryption, data integrity, and authentication:

**Encryption -** SSL certificates encrypt all data sent from your browser to the site's server. If hackers get the data, they can't decrypt it.

**Data Integrity -** Since hackers can't read the transferred information, they also can't modify or corrupt the data. Any changes can be detected.

**Authentication -** This verifies you are communicating with the intended website. You can check for the padlock icon to ensure the site is secure.

Here are the benefits of installing an SSL certificate and how they protect website users' data from cyber attacks:

**Secure Payment Systems**

E-commerce websites can reassure users their sensitive data is safe by installing trusted SSL certificates. With online shopping more popular, people are more willing to provide sensitive details like banking info online. SSL certificates give them confidence that the site they are using is secure. The certificates also protect them from becoming victims of cyberattacks.

**Secure Online Communications**

SSL certificates encrypt online communication and prevent third parties from accessing confidential user information shared online. Most SSL certificates use 256-bit encryption, which is unbreakable and ensures secure communication. Users' details like contact info, banking details, etc. will be kept secure.

**Improve Rankings on Search Engines**

Search engines like Google flag insecure websites without SSL as "not secure" and display warnings when users try to access them. Insecure sites also rank lower than secure ones on Google.

In general, SSL certificates secure:

- Sensitive user data like usernames, passwords, addresses, emails, phone numbers, etc.

- Protect against identity theft

- Secure online banking transactions and account details


To secure your website and prevent users from cyber threats, you need an SSL certificate installed. This will help your site rank better on search engines instead of being flagged.

Higher SSL levels better protect customers and visitors from attacks. The new 2048-bit SSL standard is more secure than 1024-bit. Use a certificate with 2048-bit for uninterrupted security and performance.

## **Final Take Away**

Now that you understand how an SSL certificate secures a website and its users, the next step is to secure your own site with a certificate. Install an SSL certificate and ensure all pages are served over HTTPS. However, a certificate alone may not be enough for full security. You'll also need other measures like strong password policies, up-to-date software, etc. However, an SSL certificate is a crucial first layer of defense against cyber threats.