MaineHost.Blog

Why do I need SSL?

Updated on August 25, 2024

ssl certificateDoes the idea of improving your search engine rankings and offering your visitors better security sound like something you’re interested in?

  • What if we upped the ante and told you we now offer an SSL Cert for just $5.95/mo?

  • SSL certificates secure your website’s connection and boost its rankings in Google.

  • Yup, all of the benefits of SSL for just $5.95/mo!

Why should I get SSL on my website?

  1. As of Dec 2016 73% of internet users use Chrome
  2. Since 2014 Google has given ranking preference to website using SSL
  3. Look at the information bellow on how the latest release of the Google Chrome Browser now shows if your website is secure or NOT.

What is a SSL Certificate?

Have you ever noticed how sometimes websites start with “https://” and then sometimes they start with https:// and have a green padlock nearby? If you have, you’ve seen the end result of an SSL certificate. But what you haven’t seen is what goes on behind the scenes.

SSL Certificate

  • SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. Essentially, SSL establishes an encrypted link between your web server and your visitor’s web browser. This ensures that all data passed between the two remains private and secure.
  • With an unsecured HTTP connection, third-parties can snoop on any traffic passing between your reader’s browser and your web server. Obviously, this is a huge issue if you’re passing sensitive information like credit card numbers.
  • But nowadays, many entities, including Google, are pushing to use secure HTTPS connections for all traffic, even things you might think are mundane.

Why Do You Need an SSL Certificate?

In general the internet is not a very secure place. Google has made the ultimate decision to help force all of us to get more secure with our websites. Starting on January 7th, 2017 Google rolled out an update to their Chrome Web Browser that drastically changes the way your URL shows up in the browser. An added benefit is that Google gives a search engine ranking boost to sites that use SLL. This added benefit alone is good reason to get your site secure.

If your website is not secure, and does NOT have an SSL Certificate this is what it looks like now:

Non secure icon
Notice the Circle with the i. This was where your company logo, or Favicon use to show up.

If you click on the i you now get this warning:
Non secure icon info

Google Non SSL Warning

You definitely do not want all of your users seeing that in their URL bar…

So, in addition to offering a benefit to your readers by securing their connection, you also have both a Google-provided carrot and stick to motivate you to use an SSL certificate for your site.


Are SSL Certificates Expensive?
What Are the Different Kinds?

There are a number of different SSL certificates you can choose from. Each offering various levels of trust.

GlobalSign Extended Validation SSL Certificate ($595/yr)

For example, Maine Hosting Solutions uses GlobalSign Extended Validation SSL Certificate, that’s how we get our company name next to the green padlock. EV SSL Certs are ($595/yr), but come with a $1.25 Million GlobalSign Underwritten Warranty. EV Certs are geared to organizations hat handle a high volume of user input data, user logins, credit card data etc…

EV SSL Certificate

GlobalSign DomainSSL Certificate ($175/yr or $14.95/mo)

Anti-Spam Engine uses a GlobalSign DomainSSL to get the green padlock, the level of certificate costs only $175/yr and comes with a $10,000 GlobalSign Underwritten Warranty. DomainSSL certs are geared toward eCommerce websites producing less than $100,000 in online annual sales.

GlobalSign DomainSSL Certificate

Standard SSL Certificate ($59.95/yr or $5.95/mo)

Standard SSL Certificate

Notice that Atlantic Limousine uses a Standard SSL Cert, but it looks identical to the more expensive GlobalSign DomainSSL Cert. The difference is that Standard SSL Certs do not have an underwritten warranty. Why? These certs are not for eCommerce sites, or sites that handle sensitive user data. Standard SSL Certs are for sites that need SSL to comply with Google SSL requirements and to aid in SEO Rankings. You an get Standard SSL Certs for just $5.95/mo on any MHS Hosting Plan.


How to Get a SSL Certificate from Maine Hosting Solutions?

If you’re just running a regular WordPress site and aren’t handling any super sensitive information (like credit cards), you can get a Standard DomainSSL Certificate from us for just $5.95/mo.

SSL Certificates

Wrapping Things Up

Because of how Google is pushing SSL, it’s not something you can ignore. Right now, you’ve got the carrot of improved search rankings. But Google is showing they’re not afraid to use Google Chrome to “punish” sites who don’t move to SSL.

Given that you can now get an inexpensive SSL certificate from Maine Hosting, there’s no reason not to protect your visitors’ connections and boost your search engine rankings in the process.

Related Posts

Great Tips on PASSWORD DO’S AND DON’TS

Great Tips on PASSWORD DO’S AND DON’TS

Should you change your password? YES! If you have a poor password your website is at risk! Spammers and Phishers constantly try to break into websites that have poor passwords, once in they use your website to host fake websites intended to deceive people into proving...

read more
Google Gives Ranking Boost To Secure Sites

Google Gives Ranking Boost To Secure Sites

Google Gives Secure Sites A Ranking Boost Here's Why: Google says this gives websites a small ranking benefit, only counting as a “very lightweight signal” within the overall ranking algorithm. BUT, there's more to the story! In fact, Google said this carries “less...

read more
Scam Alert: Website Backup Scam

Scam Alert: Website Backup Scam

We just want everyone to be aware of the following scam.. This invoice is a Website Backup Scam! We do not outsource any backups here at MHS. Nor do most other hosting providers. This invoice is a SCAM!

read more

WordPress
Development SuperHeroes

FEATURING:

WordPress Development