The simple answer is yes you do need an SSL Certificate in South Africa. Simply, websites with a green padlock and “HTTPS” are protected by an SSL certificate and are secure and safe to use. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It’s the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser.
An encrypted link basically means that any data that is received or sent via your website cannot be deciphered if intercepted. This “HTTPS” change has been around for some time now, and having an SSL certificate has become a basic tenant of cybersecurity in South Africa, and beyond.
Why? Because Google said so
And you want to keep Google happy! After Google’s announcement in July 2018 that they will make it known to anyone visiting a site with insecure fields that it is not safe to use, it’s not just important, but vital. Whether you’re just collecting an email address as part of a marketing strategy, or you’ve got a form somewhere on your website, you’ll regret it if you don’t secure your website.
And now that the PoPI Act has been formalised, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are taking the necessary steps to secure your customer or client data.
There are many benefits for you too
- An SSL certificate will boost your brand’s credibility by confirming the authenticity of your website
- It will protect your customers’ information online by encrypting any data they send to you, then decrypting it once you’ve received it
- It will boost your SEO ranking because Google gives preference to sites with an SSL certificate
How to check for an SSL certificate
Quickly look at the left side of your browser’s address bar and look for the green padlock icon and “HTTPS”. These indicate that the website does have an SSL installed. If you click on the green padlock you will be able to view the SSL certificate information.
Which certificate is right for you?
There are different certificates to choose from, so be sure to check which one suits your needs. From Comodo SSL certificates to Thawte SSL certificates, this element of cybersecurity will help you secure client data as well as provide a safe and secure payment process for all.
