Installing an SSL certificate on a website can be a bit of a hassle, but it is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital age. SSL, or secure sockets layer, is crucial for ensuring that websites are secure and protecting sensitive information such as personal and financial data. It creates a secure connection between a visitor’s web browser and the server of the company they’re interacting with.

If a website does not have an SSL certificate, visitors may see a warning message that the site is not secure. This can create doubt in the visitor’s mind and lead to a lack of trust in the website. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have an SSL certificate installed on all websites.

There are several benefits to having an SSL certificate, including protecting data, affirming identity, improving search engine ranking, satisfying PCI/DSS requirements, and improving customer trust. However, it is important to note that free SSL certificates typically only offer basic authentication and do not include the more advanced organization validation or extended validation options.

To install an SSL certificate, it is necessary to have a dedicated IP address with your hosting service. After creating a certificate signing request in the control panel, the server will process the request code. The code can then be taken to an SSL authority such as SSLs.com to purchase a certificate. Once the certificate is bought, it is simply a matter of pasting the code and verifying it through an admin email address. With the SSL certificate installed, the website will be more secure and trustworthy for visitors.