Installing a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate on your website is one of the best things you can do to increase security and instill confidence among your site visitors. While there are several types of SSL certificates available, ranging from wildcard certificates to multi-domain options, all of them are designed to protect your (and your visitors’) data.
Unfortunately, fraudulent SSL certificates have become a problem across the web, leaving major gaps in security for unsuspecting users. By understanding what a fraudulent SSL certificate is and what kinds of warning signs to look for, you can make sure the certificate you install on your site is genuine.
What Are Fraudulent SSL Certificates?
Hackers have discovered that they can create “fake” SSL certificates by obtaining the login credentials of a certificate authority. It is also possible for fake self-signing certificates to be developed and installed on a user’s machine. In these instances, a fraudulent website will mirror the legitimate site and even display the signature padlock icon that traditionally indicates a secure connection.
From there, however, there is no protection or encryption of files sent over the site’s connection. As a result, data (such as customer payment information) may be stolen.
Fake SSL Certificate “Red Flags”
When browsing the web, you can take some simple steps to make sure your connection is secure with a legitimate SSL certificate. Start by looking for the padlock icon to the left of the URL bar, as well as an HTTPS protocol in the web address itself. If no padlock icon is present or the browser warns that the site is “not secure,” these are major red flags. More than likely, you are visiting a “dupe” site created by a hacker trying to steal your information.
Make Sure You’re Offering Genuine SSL Certificates
In addition to staying safe while browsing the web, it’s important to make sure that the SSL you install on your website is a legitimate one. When choosing a provider for your SSL certificate, ensure that HTTPS protocol will be used to secure all connections to your site and that all data will be encrypted.
It’s also essential to choose a certificate provider with a longstanding reputation.
At ReliableSite, SSL certificates are just one of our many offerings. Our certificates are compatible with all web browsers and offer 256-bit encryption for added protection and peace of mind. These certificates also come with a $10,000 warranty and are issued quickly, so you can start providing security to your site visitors immediately.
Meanwhile, once your certificate is installed, your site visitors will see a “lock” icon in their address bar when they come to your site. This will instill a greater sense of security, confidence, and peace of mind. Of course, having a legitimate SSL certificate in place can boost your site’s search rankings in the process!
Purchase your SSL certificate from ReliableSite today or learn more about what we have to offer, including dedicated hosting plans with standard DDoS protection. You can also contact us to find out more about any of our services.