SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) — more precisely TLS today — encrypts the connection between a visitor's browser and your web server. When SSL is active, your site loads over https:// and a padlock icon appears in the browser address bar.
Why SSL matters
- Security — data submitted through forms, logins, or payments is encrypted in transit and cannot be intercepted.
- Trust — modern browsers display a "Not Secure" warning on sites without SSL. Visitors are likely to leave immediately when they see this warning.
- SEO — Google gives a ranking advantage to HTTPS sites over HTTP sites.
- Required for payments — SSL is mandatory if you process any payments or collect sensitive information online.
Every Vumacloud plan includes a free SSL certificate issued by Let's Encrypt, a trusted and widely recognised certificate authority. There is no additional cost.
