When it comes to online security, there is no doubt that having a secure website is essential. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the signs that indicate a website is secure. This can leave them vulnerable to attack from cyber criminals or worse, identity theft. While there are some easy to spot indications that a website is secure, there is one often overlooked sign that actually has positive benefits for those who use the website.

This “invisible” sign is the use of an SSL certificate. An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital credential that helps to secure a website and provide an extra layer of protection. An SSL certificate helps to ensure that information between the user and the website is encrypted and securely transmitted.

One of the most obvious benefits of having an SSL certificate is the increase in trust that you can have when visiting a website or providing information to it. When users see the “https” at the beginning of the website address, they know that the website is secure and their information is safe. This is especially true if the website visitor plans to provide any personal or payment details.

Another overlooked advantage is improved search engine ranking. All major search engines have begun to take websites with SSL certificates into account for rankings. When a website is secure, it often will be considered more reliable and trustworthy, and it is more likely to appear on the first couple of pages of search engine results.

Finally, there is a benefit of an SSL certificate from the website owner’s perspective. With a secure website, developers can more easily take advantage of services such as API calls and WebSockets. These services allow for faster data transfer, which further strengthens the website’s security.

Overall, having an SSL certificate should be seen as a positive indication of a website’s security. An SSL certificate also provides the website visitor with extra piece of mind, and additionally has an impact on search engine rankings and developers’ ability to use certain services. All of these factors should not be underestimated when considering a website’s security.