Why you should have an SSL certificate

But what does it really mean in practice, and why is it important for you as a website owner? Here you will find the answer – and some good reasons to double-check that your website is actually secured.

In short:

• An SSL certificate makes your website safe to use by encrypting information between user and server.
• You recognize it as the padlock in your browser and the small “s” in “https”.
• Without SSL, you risk lower trust, fewer conversions, poorer Google rankings, and GDPR trouble.
• There are different types of certificates adapted to different needs and security levels.
• There are free SSLs, but paid options offer higher security and trust.
• An SSL certificate is always included when you order a website from Fjellvann, and it is automatically renewed when you sign an operating agreement.

What is an SSL certificate?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and is a digital confirmation that a website is safe to use. It ensures that information sent between the browser and the server – such as contact information, passwords or card details – is encrypted. This means that no outsider can snoop on the data being exchanged.

Read more about SSL certificates here!

How does SSL work technically?

When a user visits a website with an SSL certificate, the browser and server initiate a process in the background to establish a secure connection. This is called an SSL handshake.

1. The browser requests a secure connection.
   
2. The server responds with its SSL certificate, which contains a public key and information about the owner.
   
3. The browser checks the certificate and trusts it if it is valid and comes from a trusted issuer.
   
4. The browser and server exchange a shared encryption key (a kind of digital lock) that is used to protect all data sent between them.

This happens lightning fast and provides a completely secure connection, without the user noticing anything.

Why is SSL certificate important?

Here are some reasons why you should have your SSL certificate in place:

• Better security
  SSL protects sensitive information sent between you and your users – everything from contact forms and logins to payment data.
  
• Increased trust
  A page marked “Not Secure” in the browser scares off potential customers until you explain that it’s just a minor certificate issue. With SSL, you can eliminate that worry.
  
• Increase in conversions
  Confident users are more likely to contact you, leave information – and buy.
  
• SEO benefits
  Google prioritizes secure pages in search results. Not having SSL can negatively impact your rankings.
  
• GDPR
  If you process personal data without securing it sufficiently, it can lead to a violation of the Data Protection Act – and in the worst case, large fines.

What types of SSL certificates are there?

There are several levels of validation – from very basic to thoroughly checked and approved with a stamp and all. What you need depends on how much information you are collecting and how important trust is to your site.

• DV (Domain Validation)
  The easiest and fastest option. This only verifies that you actually own the domain. DV is suitable for small websites, portfolios and informational websites without login or payment solutions.
  
• OV (Organization Validation)
  A level up – here both the domain and your organization are validated. The user sees the company name in the certificate, which signals that there is a real business behind it. OV takes longer to issue and requires documentation, but in return provides higher credibility and is often used by companies and organizations.
  
• EV (Extended Validation)
  Here the certificate provider really goes into depth: company name, address and legal existence are checked thoroughly. This is the type that gives you the green address bar and extra visual security. EV is used by banks, large online stores and players who process a lot of sensitive data. It is the most comprehensive and time-consuming to obtain, but also provides the most trust.

We keep your website safe!

When you get a website from Fjellvann, an SSL certificate is always included. And if you choose us to operate and maintain your website, you don't have to worry about SSL renewal or other technical details that are easy to forget. We make sure that everything is in place, up to date and in order. Do you want to feel confident that your website security is in good hands?