SSL: Security for Your Website

Imagine Your Website as a Postcard:

Think of your website like a postcard. When someone visits your website, it’s like sending them a digital postcard with information about your business or ideas.

Now, imagine you’re sending that postcard through the internet. Just like with real postcards, you’d want it to be secure and private so that nobody can read it while it’s on its way to the recipient.

That’s Where SSL Comes In:

SSL stands for “Secure Sockets Layer.” It’s like a special envelope for your digital postcard. When you have an SSL certificate, it wraps your website in this secure envelope.

Here’s why your website needs SSL:

1. Privacy: The SSL envelope ensures that the information people send to your website, like their contact details or payment information, stays private. It’s like sealing your postcard so nobody can peek inside.
2. Trust: When visitors see a little padlock icon or “https://” in the web address, they know your website is secure. This makes them feel safe, like sending a postcard through a trusted postal service.
3. Search Engines: Search engines like Google prefer secure websites. If your site has SSL, it’s more likely to show up in search results, which helps more people find your business.
4. Protection: SSL helps protect your website from cyberattacks. It’s like having a security guard to keep your postcard safe from thieves.

So, in simple terms, getting an SSL certificate for your website is like putting your digital postcard in a secure envelope. It keeps information private, builds trust, helps with search engines, and adds a layer of protection. It’s a smart move for your business’s online presence, just like sealing an important postcard before sending it in the mail.

Why Website Maintenance Should Be Your Top Priority

Two years ago, if you had asked my client, Debra (name changed for privacy), about the importance of website maintenance, she might have brushed it aside as less critical than running her business. Fast forward to today, and Debra would likely tell you that investing in the well-being of your website is one of the wisest decisions you can make.

In 2017, I received an alarmed email from Debra, reporting that her website was behaving oddly, and she suspected a hack. Her intuition was spot-on; her website had indeed been compromised. Fortunately, we managed to restore her site using an old backup. However, the ordeal resulted in data loss and frightened away potential clients who stumbled upon her hacked site, redirecting them to an X-rated destination (a telltale sign of a hacked site).

It was a stressful, costly experience for Debra, but it imparted a valuable lesson: maintaining a functional website is far more cost-effective than fixing a broken one.

In a nutshell, many small-business websites become vulnerable targets due to neglecting web maintenance and insufficient protection against security threats. Updates are the lifeline of your site’s health and longevity, and the simplest way to bolster its security is by keeping it up-to-date.

So, why are website updates crucial?

1. Visitor Retention A well-maintained website not only attracts new visitors but also retains existing ones. Offering fresh, accurate, and up-to-date content keeps your site relevant. Regularly check for broken links, ensure your contact forms function correctly, and verify that your contact information remains current.
2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Maintaining your website is vital for improving or sustaining search engine rankings. Neglecting fresh content can lead to a drop in rankings, potentially costing you business in the long run.
3. Security Every business, regardless of size, can fall victim to hacking. Outdated plugins and code make your site an easy target for cybercriminals. Regularly backing up your data and updating plugins can significantly reduce your risk of a security breach.
4. Protects Your Business Image and Brand A poorly maintained website, replete with outdated information and broken links, is a surefire way to lose customers. Your website is a 24/7 representation of your business, and making a positive impression on visitors is paramount. Periodically evaluate your website’s look and feel; if it feels outdated, it’s time for a refresh. Websites are no longer a ‘set and forget’ aspect of your business. As technology advances, website software evolves for increased security, just like Microsoft or your smartphone requires updates.

Give Your Site the Care It Deserves Rather than investing hours in learning how to back up your site, dealing with a compromised server, or troubleshooting site downtime, consider our Website Care Packages to ensure your website’s health and security.

10 Telltale Signs Your Website’s Security Has Been Breached

Why You Need to Secure Your Website NOW!

Why You Need to Secure Your Website NOW!

• Kisha
• March 16, 2018
• No Comments

In a nut shell, an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts information sent to the server using SSL technology.

In a nutshell, SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is like the digital bouncer of your website. It verifies your website’s identity and encrypts data sent to the server, making it safe and secure.

For years, Google has been nudging website owners towards HTTPS encryption. You’ve probably seen it in action—the green ‘secure’ padlock icon in your browser, signifying that the website is safe. Initially, this was a must for e-commerce and login-heavy sites dealing with sensitive info. But here’s the kicker: Google has been urging all websites to make the move to HTTPS. Secure sites are even getting a boost in search engine rankings.

Now, brace yourself: Google’s Chrome browser is taking it a step further. Non-HTTPS websites will be labeled as ‘not secure.’ In simple terms, if your website lacks an SSL certificate, Chrome will shout to users, “Warning! This site isn’t trustworthy!” Not exactly the first impression you want to make on visitors.

My advice? Secure your site pronto. Make it your top priority. Contact your hosting provider, inquire about their SSL certificate options and prices. Some hosts offer free SSL certificates with your hosting package. And guess what? With our Website Care Packages, you not only get a free SSL certificate but also top-notch monitoring and regular updates for your website.

Don’t wait. Keep your visitors safe and your website trusted—lock it down with SSL now!