Google and other tech titans are pushing for SSL Certification to be the default connection protocol used by websites. Google already ranks sites higher when they use HTTPS over those sites that do not use HTTPS.
Example: http://www.nzdigital.co.nz vs https://www.nzdigital.co.nz
2017 Is the year all web-masters will be pushed to use HTTPS or SSL Certification.
Google Chrome and other web browsers will show prominent warnings to visitors of non-SSL pages. WordPress will cease to promote hosts that do not offer SSL certificates as a standard part of host packages. Web surfers will be encouraged to use HTTPS everywhere and to recognise HTTPS addresses in response to increased government intrusion into their online activities.
What is SSL
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral.
What Does SSL Do?
The major purpose of an SSL certificate is to encrypt information so that it can only be read and understood by the intended parties. Information submitted on Internet forms often passes through more than one computer before reaching its final destination, and the more “stops” it has to make, the higher the chance that a third party could obtain access. An SSL certificate inserts random characters into the original information, rendering it incomprehensible to anyone without the proper encryption key. If the information does somehow wind up in the wrong hands, it will be unreadable and therefore useless.
How much does SSL cost?
A 256-bit encryption SSL certificate will cost $299 + GST per year. This is adequate protection for most sites. We will install this on your website and let you know when it needs to be renewed each year.
