When it comes to website development, Omaha companies like ours are working hard to spread critical information about SSL certificates and why your website needs to have one.

Search engine giant, Google, announced in early 2018 it would begin penalizing websites without SSL certificates. If there’s anyone website design & development companies in Omaha listens to, it’s Google.

What is an SSL certificate?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. Clear as mud, right?

An SSL certificate ensures a secure, safe and encrypted connection between your website and the end-user’s browsers connection.

Previously, the SSL security measure was most commonly used on websites collecting personal information like credit card transactions and legal documents. This security protects customers from becoming the dreaded online scamming victim. However, SSL certificates were not required by all websites across the board.

In hindsight, it’s interesting that such a security measure was not required until as of late. Website design & development companies in Omaha, like Omaha Media Group, have been taking the appropriate steps for years to ensure all local web clients have the SSL certificate needed to stay kosher in the eyes of Google.

While it can be difficult to understand the technicalities of SSL certificates, we can assure you that yes, you do 100% need an SSL certificate on your website.

How do I get an SSL certificate?

When it comes to obtaining SSL certificates for website development, Omaha experts like us make it standard procedure to install them automatically. Building secure, trustworthy and clean websites is something we take great pride in.

In the event your website was not developed with an SSL certificate to back it, don’t panic. There’s still hope for you!

First, will need one of the following three types of SSL certificates:

1. Domain Validated (DV) - These SSL certificates are very basic in that they only verify who owns your website. DVs are good for small websites not needing to prove their company identity and lack non-transactional data.

2. Organization Validated (OV) - Slightly heftier than the Domain Validated SSL, the Organization Validated certificate does everything it’s predecessor does in addition to business authentication. These certificates are the minimum requirement for any ecommerce website.

3. Extended Validation (EV) - The strongest (and most expensive) certificate available, they secure against breaches on sites performing transactions and obtaining personal data.

Unsure of which is best for you? Ask! Website design & development companies in Omaha have worked hard to build an extremely helpful community. Anyone you ask can and should point you in the right direction.

What happens if I don’t have an SSL certificate?

Well, we hate to break it to you, but Google is going to flag your website this year. Google, first and foremost, is relying on the trustworthiness of your website to keep it’s users safe.

If your website does not have an SSL certificate installed, a secure connection cannot be established, thus, diminishing the safety and legitimacy of your business. To keep in the good graces of Google, get that certificate!

Fun fact: Cybersecurity damages will cost the world over $6 trillion annually by 2021 according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

We’d hate to see your web traffic contribute to that number in any way! As veterans in website development, Omaha Media Group takes cyber-security seriously. One of the simplest steps you can make towards a safer site is through an SSL certificate.

If your business has not updated your website with an SSL certificate, we can walk you through it!