If a customer entered their details on your website today, would that data be properly protected?
If your business operates a website, SSL encryption is no longer optional. Without it, data sent between your website and your visitors can be intercepted, putting customers at risk and damaging trust in your business.
What Is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. An SSL certificate encrypts data as it travels between a user’s web browser and your web server.
Without SSL encryption, information such as login details, contact form submissions, and payment data is transferred in plain text. This makes it vulnerable to interception by attackers monitoring the connection.
How to Tell If a Website Uses SSL Encryption
Most modern websites use SSL encryption, and browsers make this easy to spot. When SSL is active, you will usually see:
- A padlock symbol next to the website address
- A URL beginning with HTTPS rather than HTTP
These indicators reassure visitors that their connection is secure and that any information they enter is protected.
Why SSL Encryption Protects Your Customers
With SSL encryption in place, anyone attempting to intercept traffic between a browser and your website would only see encrypted data. While they may see which website was visited, they would not be able to read what was entered or submitted.
This is especially important for:
- Contact forms collecting personal information
- Login pages and customer portals
- E-commerce checkout pages
- Any site handling passwords or payment details
More Than Websites: SSL and Email Security
SSL encryption is not limited to websites. It can also be used to protect email communications while messages are in transit.
When SSL is used for email, intercepted messages appear as unreadable strings of characters rather than meaningful content, ensuring only the intended recipient can read them.
Does SSL Affect Google Search Rankings?
| Area | Impact of SSL Encryption | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Trust | Displays a secure padlock and HTTPS | Reassures visitors and improves confidence |
| Search Rankings | Positive ranking signal for Google | Helps avoid penalties for insecure sites |
| Browser Warnings | Prevents “Not Secure” warnings | Reduces visitor drop-off |
| Data Protection | Encrypts information in transit | Protects customers and reduces liability |
Since 2018, Google and other search engines have actively penalised websites without valid SSL certificates. Browsers such as Google Chrome also display prominent warnings when users visit unsecured websites, which can deter potential customers immediately.
Why Every Business Website Needs SSL
Even if your website does not process payments, SSL is still essential. Any site that collects information through forms or login pages is handling data that should be protected.
SSL encryption supports customer confidence, search visibility, and compliance with modern security expectations.
How Carden IT Services Helps Secure Your Website
At Carden IT Services, we help businesses secure their websites through SSL encryption as part of a wider cybersecurity and hosting approach.
Through our partners at Carden Digital, SSL certificates can be provided as part of managed web hosting packages, with professional installation handled for you.
Secure Your Website Before It Costs You Customers
An unsecured website puts your customers at risk and can quietly damage your search rankings and reputation.
If you want to protect your website visitors and ensure your site meets modern security standards, contact Carden IT Services today to discuss SSL encryption and secure website hosting.
