You may have noticed that some URLs begin with HTTPS://. The added “s” signifies the security license that was bought and used by the website owner to secure the connection between a user’s browser and the server using encryption. This makes it more difficult for hackers to intrude on the connection. Our WordPress SSL Setup Service will secure your WordPress website to use an SSL certificate purchased from a hosting company or third-party provider.
What Is an SSL Certificate?
SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer. Most of the time, when someone says “SSL”, they actually mean “TLS” (Transport Layer Security–a more recent and improved protocol that uses stronger encryption algorithms and offers unmatched privacy and performance) without knowing it. Until more people become familiar with “TLS,” the industry will continue to see certificates referred to as “SSL” Certificates because that’s the term more people are familiar with.
Websites are each issued a unique SSL certificate for identification. If a server has an SSL certificate installed incorrectly or its certificate doesn’t match, then browsers will warn the user from connecting to the site.
Why Do I Need an SSL Certificate?
If you are collecting payment or contact information from customers such as information from a Contact page, credit card numbers, or bank routing numbers, then you absolutely need the SSL certificate. Most merchants such as Authorize.net, for example, require a secure connection using SSL.
SSL Certificates Provide Privacy, Security, and Data Integrity
SSL certificates provide privacy, security, and data integrity for both your website’s and your users’ personal information. Customer information usually travels through several computers. Any of these computers could pretend to be your website and trick your users into sending them personal information. With SSL you can be sure that you are sending information to the correct server and not to an imposter trying to steal information.
SSL Protects Against Phishing Attacks
Phishing is when an email is sent by a criminal who tries to impersonate your website. The deceptive email usually includes a link to their website or uses a man-in-the-middle attack to use your own domain name. Social media sites are a prime target for phishing. If you have been receiving scam-type emails or offers from contacts you don’t recognize, you may have been a victim of phishing without knowing it.
SSL Providers Will Give You a Trust Seal
SSL providers will give you a trust seal that instills more customer confidence. To make sure visitors know their connection is secure, Web browsers provide visual cues, such as a lock icon or a green bar. Visitors will trust your website more when they see these cues and will be more likely to buy from you.
SSL Will Improve Your Google Rank
Using SSL will help improve your site’s SEO, since in 2014 Google recently announced that they will be using SSL as a ranking signal in their search results. Google wants security as much as you do!
WordPress SSL Setup Service
Our WordPress SSL Setup Service includes the following:
- Setup WordPress to use HTTPS. We will update the WordPress Site Address (URL) to use HTTPS. This is so WordPress knows to use the secure protocol by default.
- Setup WordPress to force HTTPS. We will configure the WordPress .htaccess file to force the website to use HTTPS. This is a precautionary measure to make sure all content redirects properly.
- Update the WordPress database. We will run a SQL query on the WordPress database to change all instances of HTTP to HTTPS for the WordPress Site Address (URL). This will save you time making changes to your existing content.
NOTE: This service includes backing up the WordPress database before any changes are made to it. We will need access to your hosting cPanel and WordPress administrator accounts.
SSL Certificate Installation
Have a conversation with your hosting company about what SSL certificate options they offer. Most hosts offer paid SSL certificates and will install them for you. Some hosts offer SSL for free, but again, only use sources that you trust.
If your hosting company doesn’t install the SSL certificate automatically, our WordPress SSL Setup Service will perform the installation for you even if the certificate was purchased from a third-party provider. An additional hourly rate may apply.
Ready to Get Started With Our WordPress SSL Setup Service?
Don’t allow your website to fall behind in security and privacy technology. Fill out the form below or call us at (602) 633-4758 to get started immediately.
The WordPress SSL Setup Service is charged at $60 per hour.