Every day we receive information about hacker attacks, where personal data and confidential information related to our accounts and credit cards are stolen from major online retailers, banks, or social media platforms. If Facebook falls victim to cybercriminals time and again, how are smaller websites supposed to cope? It is a mistake to assume that a site is “too small” to be of interest to hackers. Any website that grants access to personal data will be attractive from their point of view. It is often said that there is no security measure that cannot be broken. However, it is not worth tempting fate. Basic security standards should be maintained on every website. One of the pillars of online security is undoubtedly the use of SSL certificates on your site.

Is a website secure thanks to SSL?

If we had to answer with one word, it would be: NO. An SSL certificate does not provide your website with 100% security. For the simple reason that it does not cover all areas that could potentially be compromised by hackers. The SSL protocol protects only the network communication link. This is, of course, a very important aspect of security, but keep in mind that hacker attacks can be carried out in many other ways. A large portion of attacks on websites are carried out through the web server or via direct attacks targeting users (for example, through malicious software).

What does SSL protect?

You could say that an SSL certificate ensures that third parties cannot “eavesdrop on” the communication between users and a website. Therefore, using SSL is necessary for all websites that collect user data. On websites where users log in for various purposes, provide their email addresses, passwords, account numbers, and credit card details, SSL is essential. Although so-called “eavesdropping” is not the most popular method of website attacks, it is still worth protecting against. Especially since the loss of user data can have serious financial and legal consequences.

Which data must be protected?

All information that is intended to be known only by the user and the website administrator to whom the user provides it must be 100% protected. Therefore, the SSL protocol should be implemented on all pages that gather data considered secret or confidential. Individual users’ personal data may be easily accessible in many places on the Internet, but gathering it all in one place makes it easy to use such information for identity theft. This is a very real threat and should be taken into account when running an online business.

What are the benefits of having SSL on a website?

SSL certificates are so well-known among users that their presence is treated as a kind of standard guaranteeing the authenticity and credibility of a given website. By clicking on the “padlock,” the user can learn more about the site. SSL certificates are also positively perceived by Google’s algorithms. The SSL protocol alone will not ensure that your website can withstand hacker attacks. You should take other steps that do not require much effort or money but can significantly contribute to increasing your website’s security.

Here are a few ways:

1. Make sure your website and any associated software are kept up to date.
2. Use two-factor authentication.
3. Use only trusted e-commerce platforms and verified payment processors.
4. Following the currently recommended best practices in terms of security will minimize the risk of an attack on your website.