SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is becoming the standard for securing your dental practice website. How secure is your website?
Web standards constantly change.
One of those changes is a move towards all websites having an added layer of security known as SSL, or Secure Socket Layer. In the past, SSL was generally only found on eCommerce or financial websites. However, it’s now a Google best practice for all websites to include this as a standard feature.
Does your dental website need SSL?
What is SSL?
Essentially, SSL is a way to bolster your website’s security. SSL establishes an encrypted link between your website and the patient browsing your website. SSL is the specific protocol that provides the secure link between your website and the person browsing it, and it is a tool used to secure millions of peoples’ online data every day.
If you have SSL encryption, a small lock icon will appear in the address bar of a visitor’s browser to let them know that their data is safe. This helps establish trust between you and your site visitors. Major web browsers like Chrome and Firefox have indicated that they will soon begin making the lack of SSL even more apparent to your website visitors.
Did You Know?
SSL Doesn’t Always Protect From Hacking Attempts
SSL only protects the transmission of user-submitted data from a computer to a server. That’s why the protocol has historically only been seen on e-commerce or financial websites that require users to submit sensitive personal information. SSL can be important when your website transfers data such as appointment request forms or online new patient forms.
However, for most new websites these functions are handled by a secured third-party and do not actually take place on the website itself. For websites that allow users to log-in to their accounts, SSL can prevent people from intercepting that transfer and observing the contents.
Google Considers SSL a (small) Ranking Factor
SSL is also a very minor ranking signal for Google because Google wants to send their customers to sites that ensure a safe browsing experience. Most SEO experts agree that having an SSL-protected website currently has little, if any, effect of your overall ranking. But, while it’s not a large ranking factor now, it’s likely that it will be in the future.
Smile Savvy Provides SSL Encryption
Smile Savvy offers our website clients SSL encryption by upgrading your monthly hosting plan. Pricing is dependent on your current plan and available features.
If you would like more information, and a custom price quote to upgrade your current hosting to include SSL, please complete the form below and we will review your current hosting plan.
Please Note: While other website companies claim to offer SSL for free, their hosting plans are generally double or even triple those of Smile Savvy.