+45 53 83 87 01Secure Socket Layer, commonly known as SSL, is a security protocol that provides a secure channel between two machines operating over the internet or an internal network. Traditionally, it is used to secure data transmission between a web server and a browser, ensuring that all data passed between them remain private and integral. SSL is a fundamental component of secure internet browsing and e-commerce.
Implementation:
To implement SSL, a website must obtain an SSL certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA). This digital certificate authenticates the website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection. Its a part of the HTTPS protocol, with the ‘S’ standing for secure, signalling that SSL protects the connection. The presence of SSL on a website is indicated by a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar and the websites URL beginning with https:// instead of http://.
Google has indicated that having an SSL Certificate is the easiest thing site owners can do to boost SEO ranking. The search engine has been using HTTPS as a ranking signal since 2014. Security is a top priority for Google, and they are very transparent about encouraging website owners to adopt HTTPS. Consequently, SSL not only protects your clients sensitive information but also improves your website’s search rankings.
Performance considerations:
While traditionally there has been a concern about the potential for SSL to slow down website performance due to data encryption, modern optimization techniques and advancements in computational power have largely mitigated such issues. It is essential, however, to configure SSL certificates correctly to avoid any impact on site speed, as Google also uses page load times as a ranking factor.
Best practices:
When implementing SSL, it is crucial to obtain your SSL certificate from a reputable CA, properly configure your server to default to HTTPS, and ensure that all site content is served over HTTPS. Additionally, implementing HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) is recommended to instruct browsers to only connect to your site using HTTPS. Always keep SSL certificates up to date to avoid vulnerabilities, and consider using SSL/TLS server test tools to evaluate the security level and performance of your HTTPS sites.
Remember, SSL is not only important for security, but it is also a significant factor in the trustworthiness of your site, impacting both user experience and SEO performance. As a technical SEO professional, advocate for the wide adoption of SSL to enhance the overall safety and searchability of the web.
