Earlier not many had an idea about online security so there were many people who took risk in storing their data and information on the website. When online payment gateway was introduced it wasn't so secure but there were some people who had partaken in such activity had faced heavy loss. At the start when the online world was introduced, the traditional modes of working, sharing and communication methods changed but even though if there was evolution, it had come at a certain risk. But if we discuss the online world now we can for sure say that it is far more secure than before.
Online Security has become a Priority now and to make the website secure you need to switch to the HTTPS web hosting solution. You will need to use a SSL Certificate which stands for Secure Sockets Layer which will be the way of building an encrypted link between the web server and the computer browsing.
Why adopt HTTPS?
HTTPS secures your website from the Online Threats and hackers. A website that has a small padlock on the browser bar is said to be secure or you can also choose a green browser bar but that will depend on the type of the certificate that you will be choosing. Apart from being a security consideration HTTPS is also encouraged by the Google for ranking factor. Google wants the website owners to have an HTTPS so that the browsing experience becomes more secure for everyday users. A website that has HTTPS will be taken into consideration by Google when it comes to Search Engine Ranking Factor.
Types of SSL Certificate:
Domain SSL -
Domain SSL Certificate is the most popular SSL. Browser Padlock and Domain Name will appear in the browser bar. It is low cost and instantly issued because there is now paperwork so you have to not wait but it is only limited to one domain.
Wildcard SSL –
With WildCard SSL it is same as Domain SSL but it can be extended to the subdomain of the Domain.
Organizational SSL –
It is expensive SSL type where domain ownership and Company Verification is required. It is issued in 1 to 2 business days. With Organizational SSL the Browser Padlock will show with the domain name and the company name in the browser bar.
Extended SSL –
This is the most expensive type of SSL but it comes also with distinctive benefits where a green browser bar will shop up with the company name in the browser bar.
SSL Certificate can be purchased from the hosting company but it will depend on you whether you want to have a website with www. or without www. which will be according to your personal preference and requirement.
First, plan an order of the SSL Certificate that you wish to install and then you will receive an email asking your confirmation that you approve the SSL Certificate for your website. After you approve the mail your host will then provide you with a dedicated IP address and will install the certificate for you.
As you are moving to the HTTPS make sure that you do a full back up of your website. You need to also reflect HTTPS on your internal links so that when people are trying to find out your other pages on your website it shouldn't show 404 error (file not found).
If you have a big website and thousands of pages then worry not because there are tools that can help you with this procedure very quickly. External Links can also be changed to the HTTPS but if it is not under your control then worry not because you can later make changes and meanwhile the HTTP traffic can be redirected to the HTTPS.
Tools and the code libraries will be required to be changed for the users who have complex and larger websites. Implementing 301 redirects will be a smart decision because 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that enables the HTTP traffic to be sent over to the HTTPS.
"If you have a Content Delivery Network then you should let your host support team know about your switch to the HTTPS so that they can update the Content Delivery Network."
If you are using Third Party Tools and transactional Emails then you should ensure that you update all the links with the current HTTPS link. Anyway, the HTTP links will be forwarded to the main link but it will be more professional if you update these links so that it will be a smooth browsing experience.
If your website is using the Google Search Console and Google Analytics then make sure that you update it by just setting the default URL to HTTPS. If your website has a landing page setup then the 301 redirect will automatically update it but its better you double check just to be sure.
Switching the Website to HTTPS may need some time and some procedure to be performed but looking on the brighter side you will be saving your website from hackers and online threats.
People are also becoming aware of the importance of HTTPS so now is the time where in the future it may become compulsion for every website to have HTTPS so that no one have to compromise with the security protocols of the website. There are different types of SSL in the market varying from the usage and features that it will provide. Choose a Web Host that will install the SSL certificate with you and provide 24/7 technical support team.
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