SSL vs Website Security
To make your website as safe as possible, you need both SSL and Website Security.
What is SSL?
SSL certificates have become the best practice in website security. Adding SSL to your website will also help it rank it higher with Google and other search engines.
- SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is the technology for creating an encrypted link between a website and your computer or mobile device.
- Data sent between a website and your computer can’t be read if it is intercepted during transmission.
A website that has SSL will start with https:// (instead of http://)
- A padlock in the address bar means a website has SSL. A green padlock means all elements are encrypted, a broken padlock means at least one element (such as an image) isn’t encrypted
- The basic, most common type of SSL is “Domain Validated SSL” (DV SSL.)
- DV SSL certificates are issued to people who can prove they own a domain name (usually by adding code that proves they can access the settings of the domain.) Premium Certificates will verify the domain and identity of the website owner.
- An SSL Certificate does not prevent or stop Malware.The data being sent is not validated or checked for viruses, malware, spam, etc.
What is Website Security?
To keep your website secure from hackers (as much as is possible), you must have other layers of protection.
Some basic security measures that you can implement include:
- Security plugin or service to “harden” your website; make it more difficult to get into. These often include features such as blacklists and blacklisting repeat offenders, network security, refreshing WordPress Salts, hiding the login page and much more.
- Backup: Add a plugin or service to automatically create regular website backups. Make sure the backups are stored in a location separate from your website.
- Prevent intrusions by using a strong password and keeping your password safe.
- Firewall services are typically purchased from your hosting company or another company.
