Website security is vital for both businesses, bloggers, and e-commerce sites in the modern digital landscape. As cyber risks, data leaks, and hacking efforts increase, keeping your site safe is no longer a choice.
The first aspects of web security is to apply SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), along with selecting a good hosting provider that offers SSL on top of etc.
This guide will cover what SSL certificates and trusted web hosting do for your website in terms of security, how you can get them fixed and other ways that you can help secure your website even further.
What is SSL and why is it necessary?
There are three points for security protocol SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) that encrypts the data which is exchanged between a browser of a user and your website. This tool helps keep sensitive information, including passwords, credit card numbers, and identity information, hidden and safe.
If a SSL certificate is installed on the website, the URL of the site changes from HTTP to HTTPS and a padlock symbol can be seen in the address bar of the browser, indicating an encrypted connection.
Why Do You Need SSL ?
Data Encryption – Hinders hackers from capturing private user information.
Trust and Credibility – Visitors will trust more when navigating on your site.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) — Google gives more weight to HTTPS sites in its ranking algorithm.
Regulatory Compliance – Several data protection laws such as GDPR, PCI-DSS, etc. enforce SSL encryption on the websites that deal with personal or payment information.
No More “Not Secure” Warnings – Modern browsers such as Chrome and Firefox mark all non-HTTPS sites and warn visitors to leave the page immediately.
Prevents Phishing – SSL prevents one from creating a replica of your website and then stealing credentials from users.
Types of SSL Certificates
Domain Validated (DV) SSL– Offers minimal encryption, most suitable for personal websites or blogging sites.
Organization Validated (OV) SSL – Authenticating the business details, good for small businesses
Extended Validation (EV) SSL – The strongest level of validation for e-commerce and enterprise web sites.
Wildcard SSL – It secures a domain along with any or all its subdomains. Provides coverage for several domains with a single certificate.
Self-Signed SSL – Free solution available but only really suitable for internal networks, not recommended for a public website.
Installing SSL Certificate in just a few Steps
Step 1: Select The Appropriate SSL Certificate
Choose an SSL depending on the requirements of the site. An e-commerce store should get an EV SSL, while a blog or personal site only needs a DV SSL.
Step#2: Obtain an SSL certificate
Lets have an SSL certifiate from —
- Your hosting provider (most of them provide free SSL along with hosting plans)
- An external SSL vendor like Let’s Encrypt, DigiCert, GlobalSign, Comodo, GoDaddy or Sectigo
Step 3: Provide the SSL Certificate
If your hosting company provides free SSL, it is often installed automatically. If not, do the following:
- Create CSR (Certificate Signing Request) from your hosting control panel.
- Once you have created a CSR, you can submit it to your SSL provider.
- Add SSL certificate to the hosting panel you are using.
- Change your website links from HTTP to HTTPS.
- Use SSL Labss SSL Test to check SSL functionality.
Step 4 — HTTPS Redirect
If you want all website traffic to use HTTPS, stick the following rule in your. htaccess file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(. *)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1 [R=301,L]
What Better Hosting Offers in Security Improvements
Don’t get me wrong — SSL does encrypt the data you send — but a lot of overall security also depends on your hosting provider. A bad host can expose your site to malware, hacking, and downtime.
What To Look For While Choosing a Secure Hosting Provider
- Free SSL Certificates – A quality host offers free SSL for every website.
- Daily Backups- makes sure that you can restore your site in case of data loss.
- DDoS Protection – Protects against attacks that can take your site down.
- Firewall & Malware Scanning – It detects and removes threats before it reaches you.
- Secure Data Centres — Physical security infrastructure to protect server infrastructure
- Auto Software Updates — Blocks WordPress, plugin, and CMS platform vulnerabilities.
- Robust Customer Support – A line to security professionals when you need.
- Isolated Hosting Environment– The infections will not travel that infect shared hosting.
Top SSL Secure Hosting Suppliers
- SiteGround — Provides AI-based security, free SSL, and daily backups.
- Kinsta — A managed WordPress hosting that offers automatic updates and firewalls.
- Bluehost — Cheaper host with security monitoring
- Cloudways – Free security measures & boosted cloud hosting.
- WP Engine– Enterprise managed WordPress hosting
- A2 Hosting — Super-fast hosting with free SSL and HackScan protection.
- Liquid Web – High-quality hosting with purpose-build security features
- Hostinger – Inexpensive hosting with complimentary SSL as well as safety and security devices.
Some More Security Tips For Your Website
Additional Measures To Secure Your Website – More Than just SSL and Hosting
Use strong passwords and 2FA
- Use long, complex passwords.
- Turn on 2FA for your hosting, CMS, and domain registrar.
- Use a password manager such as LastPass or Bitwarden to create, save, and use unique passwords.
Update Your CMS and Plugins
- It is only the number one set of risks (security risks) about outdated software.
- Turn on automatic updates for your CMS, plugins and themes.
- Remove unused plugins and themes which may be prone to security vulnerabilities
Use a webs application firewall Everything
WAF blocks malware traffic and also stops brute force attacks. Popular options include:
- Sucuri Firewall
- Cloudflare WAF
- Wordfence (For WordPress Users)
Allow Daily Backups of the Website
- Select a hosting provider that performs daily backups automatically.
- For wordpress plugins like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack
- Backup to an external source (GoogleDrive | Dropbox | AWS).
Keep An Eye On Your Website For Malware
- Scan for Malware Using Security Tools e.g., Sucuri, SiteLock & MalCare
- Configure alerts in Google Search Console to monitor for security problems.
Final Words
Protection from a multitude of layers on your website is the solution to security protocol best practices. SSL encryption and a secure hosting provider are great, but there are also additional security measures you may want (firewall, backups, malware scan, software updates, etc.).
Not to mention, securing your website with SSL certificates and improving hosting helps you not only protect user data but also build trust and ranking for SEO as well as cybersecurity for your business.
