SSL stands for “secure sockets layer” and is a data encryption protocol that keeps all information safe while in transit between a users computer and the server that hosts whatever website that user is visiting. While a SSL certificate has many benefits and can be used in many different ways there are two main functions:

1) SSL certificates protect your information during payment transactions. This means it turns your information into encrypted code that can only be read by a third party that has the key to read the information. This will keep your customers information safe from anyone trying to steal the information from either their Debit or Credit card. If someone does try to intercept your sensitive data when it has been secured by an SSL certificate they won’t be able to see any of it due to the encryption process.

2) SSL certificates also provide information about the site and company they are securing. That could be business owner, domain owner or website owner. Installing a SSL Certificate on your server will allow your customers to instantly verify that you are who you say you are, making your website or your online business much more trustworthy. Experienced online shoppers will also notice that a padlock is displayed by the browser and in some cases the URL bar may also turn green. This is a great visible indicator to a prospective customer that you take their online security seriously.