The Growing Importance of Effective SSL/ TLS

The Inherent Need to Install a Valid SSL/TLS certificate

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased use of the internet. It can also be attributed to visitors who prefer to research or transact online. As more visitors are flocking online, it has also brought out the hackers in hordes. As a result, businesses face an increased risk of data breaches as hackers have become more creative.

A new study shows that a new organization will fall prey to hackers every 11 seconds by 2021. A data breach can lead to loss of customer trust and severe penalties from government agencies. Businesses must safeguard their digital presence by imbibing adequate cybersecurity measures. It becomes essential to protect their website by installing an SSL/ TLS certificate.

  • What is an SSL certificate?

The SSL certificate is a data file that binds a cryptographic key digitally to the business details. It is installed on the webserver and helps to encrypt the information exchanged between the visitor’s browser and the webserver. No unauthorized third party can access the information as only the authorized recipient can access it.

It creates a trusted environment and provides a secure way to exchange critical information. The underlying data in the servers is also protected as the HTTPS protocol prevents man-in-the-middle attacks by hackers. When a company installs the SSL/ TLS certificate, the visitors can see the padlock on the address bar when they access the website.

  • How does an SSL certificate work?

When a browser tries to connect an HTTPS website powered by an SSL certificate, the browser requests the web server for identification. The web server reverts with a copy of the certificate. The browser checks whether the certificate can be trusted, and accordingly, a message is sent to the webserver. The web server then sends a digitally signed acknowledgment to start the encrypted session.

 

  • Benefits of SSL certificates

Ensures data security

An SSL/ TLS certificate allows businesses to protect user information, like login information, demographics, financial information, etc. The use of the encryption mechanism ensures that the underlying data is safe from hackers. Moving to the HTTPS platform also prevents phishing attacks.

Enhances customer trust

Visitors check for the padlock sign when they wish to visit a website. The padlock shows only when the company has installed an SSL certificate. It ensures a sense of trust that the CA undertook adequate checks before the certificate was provided. In addition, visitors can be assured as there is confirmation from a renowned third party.

Secure payment environment

The number of online transactions is constantly increasing over time. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that customers can undertake online transactions safely. Therefore, websites must meet the PCI-DSS standards if they wish to undertake online transactions. In addition, they will be required to have an SSL certificate installed to ensure data security.

Boosts SEO

Search engines like Google would like to offer internet users a safer browsing environment. Therefore, they have been marking HTTPS as a lightweight ranking signal.

Hence, websites that are on the HTTPS platform can get an advantage during search rankings. Moreover, the presence of the padlock is bound to bring in more visitors and boost SEO for the site.

  • Certificates must be reissued periodically.

The Certificate Authorities (CAs) provide the SSL certificates after a proper validation process that depends on the type of certificate chosen. Earlier, the CAs could authorize the certificates for a term of five or six years. However, it could lead to severe security issues through the tenure of the validity period.

Of late, web browsers like Apple Safari and Google Chrome expect the certificates to be valid for 398 days or less. It ensures an enhanced level of security, but it could be a certificate management nightmare.

The certificates sold for a validity period of two or more years must request and install a reissue every year. The option varies across the different CAs.

  • Certificate management could be a hassle.

The SSL certificate must be valid to ensure your website receives adequate security from hackers. However, businesses are seeing an increase in the number of certificate-related outages. When a certificate expires, web browsers flag the site as “Not Secure.” It can lead to visitors abandoning the website, which would mean lost conversions.

There have been incidents when even the industry leaders had missed certificate renewals. For example, a few years back, LinkedIn faced an incident connected to certificate expiration.

One of the reasons it happens is the lack of automation. The cybersecurity teams must have automated notifications in place that will inform them of upcoming SSL certificate renewals.

  • Faulty certificate management practices can affect any industry.

It is necessary for all businesses to effectively manage the certificate lifecycles.

However, it becomes a critical activity for industries that store a vast amount of sensitive customer data.

The severity of outages can be significant for the healthcare, banking, financial services industries. It becomes necessary that these companies install a multi-domain Wildcard certificate and renew it on time. It will secure multiple domains and sub-domains on a single certificate.

The shorter certificate validity periods help improve security measures, but there must be proper systems to renew them. Companies must closely monitor the certificate lifecycle as businesses face increased digital dependency.

The industry leaders would have multiple domains and subdomains to secure, and it would help if they installed a comodo wildcard SSL and renewed it periodically.

  • Why aren’t all businesses using an SSL/ TLS certificate?

Many businesses feel that hackers would not target them. However, according to Hosting Tribunal, around 21% of the Alexa Top 100,000 sites are yet to be on the HTTPS platform.

Moreover, non-specialists may not understand the technology, but they can always take the help of experts. Installation can be done in easy steps, and there are specialized entities that can help as well.

The number of HTTP websites is decreasing rapidly with the increased focus that businesses lay on cybersecurity. As companies understand the need to secure their data, more and more are installing an SSL certificate.

Conclusion

The increase in the number of cyberattacks has made businesses take notice and enhance their security apparatus. As a result, companies feel an increased urgency to safeguard their digital presence. One way they can ensure this is by installing an SSL certificate. It is also necessary to ensure that the certificate is valid and procured from a renowned Certificate Authority.