If you’ve recently built a new WordPress website then the chances are that you haven’t installed an SSL certificate yet. In fact, the chances are that you probably don’t even know what an SSL certificate is, especially if you’re not an experienced web developer.

Well the short answer is that all websites should have an SSL certificate and, by extension, HTTPS browsing enabled for optimum security. In this article I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about SSL certificates, including what they are, why you should have one, and how to get one.

What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL, or secure sockets layer certificate is a modern web technology that enables an encrypted link between a browser and a server. Usually, this link is between web browsers and web hosting servers, but they can also be between mail clients and mail servers.

Luckily, SSL certificates aren’t actually complicated technology. You can usually purchase one through your hosting provider, and installing it to your WordPress website is actually very easy. If you don’t have an SSL certificate already, then your website basically isn’t secure, and your visitors might not trust you.

What does an SSL certificate do?

Like I already said, an SSL certificate enables an encrypted link between your web or mail server and your browser or mail client. In short, this allows you to accept secure information – including credit card details and personal information – that people might not otherwise be comfortable providing.

SSL certificates can also help protect your website from a range of different scams and hacking attempts. For example, SSL certificates are useful in preventing phishing scams and data breaches, and they reduce the risk of you losing valuable customer information and personal data.

Do I really need an SSL certificate, and why?

Well, the short answer is a resounding yes, you absolutely do need to make sure that your website has an SSL certificate. They are relatively easy and cheap to get, and they aren’t hard to install either.

Some of the reasons why you should make sure that your site has SSL enabled include:

It will increase consumer confidence.
It will reduce the risk of data breaches.
It will allow you to accept sensitive information safely.
It will increase your website’s success.

How do I get an SSL certificate?

Luckily for you, getting a new SSL certificate should be quite easy. The first thing you should do is check with your hosting provider to see if you have one included in your hosting plan. If you do, then activating it should be as simple as finding the link on your hosting dashboard and following the prompts. If you don’t, then you can buy one online, and follow the same process to activate it.