All websites these days are subject to attacks by hackers and malware. Because Security is so important these days, admins and website owners should install SSL certificates for WordPress to protect their websites and to to build the trust of visitors.
One important aspect of WordPress security is get an SSL certificate. SSL is used to protect information that are shared online, preventing it from getting into the wrong hands. SSL is technically know as (Secure Sockets Layer) which is enhances a web site’s security by providing encryption and authentication to the website.
When SSL is used in a website the site URL changes from http to https, which indicated to the visitor that any information he enters in a login or order form are safe and secured.
What is SSL?
SSL is technically known as Security Socket Layer used to establish an encrypted link between browsers and web hosting servers. allowing for privacy and integrity of information between the browser and the web server.
In order to be able to use SSL connection you need to obtain certificate from a Certificate Provider and then install it in your server ( web hosting Company).
The installation process is a little complex and may require the help of your web host if you don’t know what you are doing.
SSL certificates has been Known for years and are being used by many companies, banks and government institutions especially those who do e-commerce and collect private information form visitors such as credit card information, etc.
Who needs SSL Certificates?
Any web site that handles personal data or any kind of payment-related information, should have an SSL certificate. Also , if the web site requires users to login or to provide personal details such as usernames and password, addresses, or phone numbers, then SSL are necessary to protect users data from being stolen. Without SSL user’s information can be easily compromised.
Using SSL is recommended for any website even it doesn’t fall in the above categories, . Having SSL with build more trust in your website.
Until recently , most small to medium companies and millions of webmasters never concerned about using SSL certificates until Google announced that it twill treat websites without SSL certificates as unsafe website and will affect the ranking of the websites.
Since then, millions of individual webmasters and admins started to consider implementing SSL in their websites, but many of them are still confused about how to do it. The main problems that faces webmasters and website owners are: the cost of the certificate, what type to use, where to get it, and how to install it.
What are the Types Of SSL Certificates?
Basically there are 3 types of SSL certificates.
1- Domain Validation ( DV) SSL certificate. Used Mostly by small to medium business and individuals. This the type that most websites need.
2- Organization Validation (OV ) SSL Certificates. Used by medium to large businesses
3- Extended Validation ( EV) SSl certificates. Mostly used by incorporated and unincorporated businesses and government entities.
What is the Cost of SSL Certificates?
The prices of SSl Certificates vary from company to company, and depend on the type of the certificate needed .but most reliable hosting companies are providing free SSL Certificates, by the use of a technology called Let’s Encrypt.
Free SSL Certificates Providers.
Let’s Encrypt is a new Certificate Authority (CA) that offers FREE SSL certificates that are just as secure as current paid certificates. This project was pioneered to make encrypted connections the default standard throughout the Internet.
The fierce competition between web hosting companies force some of them to provide free SSL certificates as a part of their hosting package. Now there are some reliable hasting companies that provide free SSL Certificates with their hosting. This is good news for everyone. webmasters who are looking for more security and can’t afford the cost of the SSL certificate from their current web host can take advantage of these offers by switching their web hosts to any of the following:
A2hosting
A2hosting Offer Let’s Encrypt Free SSL certificates for for with all the packages they offer . Let’s Encrypt is automatically applied to every account for free so you get increased security on your site by default. A2 hosting packages range from a shared web hosting option to a managed server plan. Hosting options are very good with extras that are not even mentioned! A2 used SSD exclusively long before it was popular on other shared hosting providers.
Siteground
Siteground Engineered for speed, built for security, crafted for WordPress. Feature-rich managed WordPress hosting with premium support, starting at just $3.95/month. Free SSl certificate on all their Plans.
Dream Host is one of the well established web hosting companies. It was founded by four friends in a college dorm in 1997. Now it hosts over 1.5 million website from over 100 different countries. it is considered as one one of the leaders in high-quality hosting and cloud computing.
Conclusion
Having an SSL certificate for your site is an essential step in protecting your WordPress website and your visitors, but it’s not the only security measure you should consider using. There are many other factors affecting the security of your website that You need be aware of.