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Improving Page Rank by Switching from HTTP to HTTPS

In a recent online security blog post, Google announced positive results from search engine testing that took into account sites that “use secure, encrypted connections.” As a result, they will begin using HTTPS as a signal in their ranking algorithms. This decision encourages site owners to turn on encryption, making sites a lot more secure. In the past, many have been reluctant to make the switch from HTTP to HTTPS because of costs or fears that such a change would slow their page load time. Using today’s cost efficient, high-speed encryption methods, however, these aren't such huge factors anymore, and many site owners are making the change. 

The Purpose of SSL Certificates

Secure Sockets Layer, or SSL, can be defined as a form of encryption that ensures that no information shared online is in plain text format. To be certain customers feel safe while sharing their credit card information and personal information online, websites started using SSL certificates as a solution to hacking, security breaches and data-tampering attempts.

How SSL Encryption Works

The diagram below illustrates the process that occurs when site visitors establish a secure session with a website that has an SSL certificate installed.

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Here’s another way to look at the same transaction:

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The Importance of SSL Certificates

Encrypting Information

The major purpose of an SSL certificate is to encrypt information so that it is only accessible by the intended parties.

Improving Search Rankings

Google is adding HTTPS as a lightweight ranking signal - it affects fewer than 1% of global queries and carries less weight than other signals like high-quality content. Google is basically giving site administrators time to switch to HTTPS. Over time, Google will probably strengthen the signal and is encouraging all website owners to switch from HTTP to HTTPS to keep everyone safe on the web.

Providing Authentication

It’s critical that information provided on a website, including sensitive customer information, goes to the correct server without being intercepted. When purchasing an SSL certificate, you’ll also be obtaining another type of protection which is called a server certificate. This certificate acts as a mediator between browsers and SSL servers to show that the SSL certificate provider can be trusted. Customers can view these documents to validate that the SSL certificate for a site is up-to-date and that the page where they’re about to enter information is really your site and not an imitation.

Online Payments

Online businesses especially need an SSL certificate with at least 128 bit encryption. Payment card industry (PCI) standards verify that an SSL certificate is from a trusted source, uses the right strength of encryption and provides a private connection on any page that requires customers to enter personal information. Without an SSL certificate that meets these standards, a site won’t be able to accept credit card payments.

Improving Customer Trust

Providing your customers with security improves the confidence that they have in your business model. It ensures a positive and secure buying experience, ultimately improving customer satisfaction.

CloudAccess.net Managed SSL Certificates

At CloudAccess.net we offer Managed SSL Certificates as a service. We provide our clients with an SSL certificate, a dedicated IP Address, installation and configuration on the server for one flat fee. We offer a variety of different SSL certificate types, which are listed below. We’ll also install and maintain any 3rd party certificate that you’ve purchased for your site.

Comodo Essential SSL Certificates

Comodo Extended Validation SSL Certificates

Essential Wildcard SSL Certificates

If you have any questions about our Managed SSL Certificate services, please submit a support ticket or call us directly. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you consider purchasing an SSL for your site to stay more secure on the web. Thank you for choosing CloudAccess.net!

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