Have you ever visited a website that has https:// in the address instead of http://? This is called a SSL. It stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It’s purchasing an extra layer of protection provided by a 3rd party Internet security company that secures domains worldwide. If you need to process credit cards on your website, you are required to have SSL. Non-ecommerce websites are not required. However, in 2017 Google started giving “extra points” to websites that do have SSL installed. And in 2018 they will make SSL a highly recognized priority as explained below.
When you purchase SSL for your website, you get these benefits:
1) Your website will enjoy a higher level of security. And we all know the dreaded “your website has been hacked” is something website owners do not want to hear.
2) Beginning July 2018, Google Chrome will begin showing the “Not secure” designation next to the URLs of http websites that don’t meet their security guidelines. Other browsers have indicated they will soon follow suit.
If you have a secure domain with SSL:
Users see 
Instead of 
3) Google likes secure sites, so purchasing a SSL cert helps your rankings! In addition to the impact it could have on users, not having a secure https site will likely cause lost rankings as your competitors comply with Google’s mandate.
Website Security with SSL, a Visual Guide
To explain website security and maintenance from D Media in laymen’s terms, think of it at these levels:
Web Hosting – A website on a shared hosting server is like being in an open room with other websites on the same server. Hackers can try to get in a multitude of ways.
Maintenance – When D Media performs maintenance on your site, it’s like adding a door to the room. We keep your modules, themes and operating system up to date to remove/reduce any “holes” where hackers can get in.
Security Modules – When D Media installs security modules on your site, it’s like adding a lock on the door handle. These security modules address many issues such as brute hacker attacks that span the Internet, blocking IP address from different countries, and many other security measures.
SSL Certificate – Purchasing and installing an SSL certificate on your site would be like adding a bolt or padlock to the door. This not only would make your site more secure but visibly give more confidence to your users and to Google.
If you are interested in adding SSL Certificate to your website hosting package, D Media can help! Contact us here for details.