When setting up an e-commerce website, online business owners definitely want to do all they can to ensure their site is secure.

One way that they can reach this goal is by obtaining a website security certificate. As for what this is, and how to properly set up a certificate management system, please consider the following points:

Website Security Certificate 101

If a company or organization wants to have a secure website that includes encryption, it should get a website security certificate. By having this certificate in place, it can help protect the site against hackers who will try to gain access to the site, including the customers’ personal data. Once the website certificate is set up, the website owner and those who visit the site will see a closed padlock either in the status bar at the bottom of the browser or at the top between the URL and search fields. In addition, sites that are secure will start with “https:” instead of “http.” Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, favoring websites with secure connections.

Benefits of the Security Certificate

In addition to helping to keep user data safe and secure, having a website security certificate can help visitors feel a sense of trust and security. Customers who shop online have undoubtedly read plenty of news articles that detail how cybercriminals can breach e-commerce sites and steal data—or it may have also happened to them at some point in their online shopping experiences. This has made many people understandably cautious about sharing their credit card number or other personal information with any website that asks for it. A security certificate will help to keep online interactions private, while assuring shoppers that the website they are on is authentic and safe, and that’s it is OK to share their credit card numbers and other information there.

Why Certificate Management is Crucial

Unfortunately, website security certificates do not last forever; most are valid for one to two years. Since website owners tend to be very busy people, they may sometimes not realize how much time as gone by and accidentally let the certificate lapse. If a certificate expires, people who visit the site may have a box pop up on their screen, alerting them that there is some type of error with the certificate. While some people may continue onto the website, others may click out and shop elsewhere, leading to a loss in sales and profits. To help prevent this from happening, it is important for website owners to have a trusted certificate management system in place. 

The certificate manager will monitor everything having to do with the security certificate, including keeping tabs on the expiration date. For people who need assistance managing certificates across multiple websites, finding a universal platform may be especially useful. This type of certificate lifecycle management program allows users to automate the issuance and management of multiple certificates, all from one user-friendly place.

Secure Website Equals Happy Customers

The last thing an e-commerce owner wants to deal with is a data hacking situation that puts the website and customers’ information at risk. Thanks to the website security certificate and a certificate manager platform, hardworking website owners can concentrate on building their inventory, fulfilling orders and increasing their customer base, safe in the knowledge that their site is as secure as possible.

Also Read: 7 Tips to Develop a User-Friendly Website