You may be wondering why you should actually switch your website from HTTP to HTTPS. The answer is simple - because the Google Chrome Web browser, starting in July 2018, will consider all HTTP-based sites unsafe for users, while Mozilla Firefox has for some time been using such an approach. In other words, only sites with HTTPS prefix will soon be viewed as secure.

So we believe it's important to consider the option of switching the site to HTTPS, and in the continuation of the text, we bring you a detailed guide through the process of implementing SSL certificate and transition from one protocol to another.

WHAT IS SSL CERTIFICATES AND WHO NEED IT?

SSL is an acronym of the English name Secure Sockets Layer and points to the fact that with the existence of this certificate, the website is protected by an additional layer of security protection. It is a web technology that, with the help of encryption of sensitive personal data of users, enables a secure and private connection between individuals and the website or server.

To make it clear, an SSL certificate introduces encryption that makes data transfer safer and impossible to decrypt without the SSL decryption key that is incorporated into the HTTPS protocol. In other words, if a third party intercepts communication, it will not be able to see the information being transmitted on a relationship between the user and the server.

SSL is the most widely used security protocol in the world, and the data that is protected is usernames, e-mail addresses, their address of residence, credit card numbers and everything that in private exchange with a site leaves the user as personal information.

The secure connection protected by the certificate is most needed for those who operate in the field of electronic banking and e-commerce.

However, even if you do not have an online store and do not collect visitor payment card data, having an SSL certificate will increase the credibility of your site and indicate that it is safe to use. This will contribute to better positioning of your website when searching the Internet.

Whether you run a multinational corporation, sell products and services online or have a presentation site as an individual, to switch from HTTP to the HTTPS protocol you will need a verified SSL certificate.

HOW TO GET TO SSL CERTIFICATE?

First of all, you need to keep in mind who you are buying a certificate. Namely, only for companies that carry the label of an authorized, certifying authority (CA), you can be sure that they will not deceive you.

Almost the entire trade in SSL certificates in the world is performed by four companies - Symantec (who own VeriSign, Thawte, and Geotrust), Comodo SSL, Go Daddy and GlobalSign.

After purchasing the certificate, a verification will follow that the person or organization that takes the certificate is indeed the owner of a particular site and only after that, the SSL will be issued. Depending on the type of certificate, verification may take several hours or several days.

After obtaining the certificate, you need to install it on the server where your site is located.

Soon expect our guide for changing your site from HTTP to HTTPS.

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