2018 is the year of SSL (HTTPS).
Starting in 2017, Google began labeling any websites that do not have SSL as “Not secure.” in an effort to make the Internet safer. Since Google favors websites secured through an SSL certificate, you will get a better search rank position.
If you aren’t familiar with SSL, you will begin to notice it more and more on websites as it becomes a requirement for all sites. But what exactly does it do?
1. Encrypts sensitive information
With an SSL certificate, any information that is transmitted becomes encrypted by inserting random characters into the original message making it unreadable to everyone except the intended server.
2. Protects you from cybercriminals
The encryption makes it nearly impossible for hackers to steal your information.
3. Builds trust for your brand
When users see the padlock in the navigation bar and “HTTPS” rather than “HTTP” in the URL, they know your website is secure.
If they don’t see that your site is secure, they will think twice before interacting with or submitting any information on your site.