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What does SSL stand for?
SSL or Secure Sockets Layer is a standard encryption technology that ensures that any communication between a web browser and server remain safe and secure.
You might be thinking as a blogger or a website owner… why do I have to know about SSL? Why do I have to deal with the technicalities when I am a content owner and my hosting service provider is reputable?
Well, to put it simply. SSL is used by almost all websites and businesses to safeguard all sensitive information and data like usernames, passwords, customer credit card information against hackers and identity-thieves. If your data is not encrypted, you risk being the target of phishing, data breaches and other security threats that might potentially destroy everything you’ve been working hard for.
When I first started blogging, I was oblivious that I needed an SSL certification. I didn’t know I needed one since I purchased my hosting and domain from a reputable hosting service provider. I thought that it’s pretty much automatic that my website is secured and safeguarded from risks of being hacked.
It didn’t dawn on me to get one until I noticed that there’s a “NOT SECURE” warning beside my website URL.
I didn’t know what that “Not Secure” warning beside my URL was about. But it’s not rocket science to think that your visitors will be deterred from exploring your site if they see it. While it doesn’t mean that your website is indeed infected by viruses or malware, it just gives off the impression that the site is fishy and suspicious.
If you saw a “Not Secure” warning on an e-commerce website, you wouldn’t give your credit card information right? Just seeing that warning will definitely affect your website’s credibility and customer perception about your brand. It’s easy to overlook such detail but trust me, it can definitely affect your website performance.
How do you fix the “Not Secure” warning beside your URL?
You’re seeing a “Not Secure” warning because url’s with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) are considered as insecure protocols.
In order to resolve this, you have to enable HTTPS or a Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s basically an extra layer of encrypted authentication or a certification that validates your domain, server and browser security to be able to display a website.
With an HTTPS, you wouldn’t have to worry about seeing a “Not Secure” warning preceding your url, or most importantly, the risk of your data and information being hacked or tampered are greatly reduced.
Google favours HTTPS over an HTTP so installing an SSL is highly recommended, if not mandatory, if you want to rank high in SERPs or search engines, or gain authority in a particular niche. An SSL certificate also gives Google an impression that your site or blog is safe and secure and that visitors need not worry of data breach.
Even if you don’t have programming or coding knowledge, don’t worry! It’s fairly easy to convert it from HTTP to HTTPS.
What you’ll need is to install and enable an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate.
Free SSL Plugins for your WordPress Website
There are SSL certificates with add-ons that you can buy. But if you’re just a beginner or blogging as a hobbyist, there are reputable SSL plugins that you can install for your WordPress Website for FREE!
Really Simple SSL
As the name implies, Really Simple SSL will allow you to easily configure your website to run from HTTP to an HTTPS. It is incredibly lightweight and I’ve been using this plugin for this website and I haven’t encountered any issues with it at all.
It’s seamless and it’s easy to install.
Just like with any wordpress plugin, download the zip file to your computer, then you can install it by simply going to your dashboard -> Plugins -> Add New.
You can also opt to choose their premium SSL which includes other features like enabling HTTP Strict Transport Security, mixed content fixer fo the back-end, etc.
SSL Zen
SSL Zen is another reputable FREE SSL plugin for WordPress. It’s being used and trusted by over 62000 websites all over the world and it’s being constantly updated by its developers.
SSL Zen gives you an SSL certificate and redirects your site from an insecure HTTP to a secure HTTPS.
Some of their features are increased SERPs ranking, secured padlock beside your URL, being able to safely accept payments, strong bank-level security, etc.
With the free version, however, you’ll need to manually update the SSL certificate after 90 days. The auto-renew option is available for the premium version of the SSL plugin.
