An SSL certificate is a digital file that secures data exchanges between your e-commerce site and your visitors. It turns a simple connection into an encrypted one, protecting sensitive information such as bank details and your customers’ personal data.
For an online store, having an SSL certificate is no longer an option, but an absolute necessity. Without this protection, your customers will hesitate to finalize their purchases, and your site will be penalized by Google in search results.
Defining an SSL certificate
The SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a security protocol that establishes an encrypted connection between your site’s server and your visitor’s browser. In concrete terms, it transforms all information exchanged into code that is unreadable by hackers.
When customers enter their credit card details in your store, the SSL certificate automatically encrypts this data. Even if someone intercepts this information, they won’t be able to decipher it without the appropriate encryption key.
Why an SSL certificate is essential for your online store
Protecting your customers’ data
Your customers entrust your site with their most sensitive information: credit card numbers, addresses, telephone numbers. An SSL certificate guarantees that this data remains confidential during transmission. Without this protection, you expose your customers to the risk of identity theft or bank fraud.
Improved trust and conversions
Internet users are increasingly aware of online security issues. When they see the famous green padlock in the address bar, they know your site is secure. This visual assurance considerably increases their propensity to finalize their order.
Conversely, if your site displays “Not secure” in the browser, the majority of your visitors will leave your store without buying. That’s a major conversion disincentive you can’t afford.
SEO advantage on Google
Google has been favoring secure sites in its search results since 2014. A site without an SSL certificate will systematically rank lower than an equivalent but secure competitor. For your SEO and visibility, it’s an essential investment.
What’s more, Google Chrome now displays an “Unsecured” warning for all sites without SSL, immediately discouraging visitors.
SSL certificates for e-commerce
Three types of SSL certificate are particularly suitable for online stores. The domain validation certificate is ideal for small stores on a limited budget. It simply verifies that you are the owner of the domain name.
The Organization Validation Certificate offers a higher level of trust by verifying your company’s legal existence. Finally, the Extended Validation Certificate displays your company name directly in the browser’s address bar, immediately reassuring your customers of your legitimacy.
How to obtain an SSL certificate for your site
Most web hosts now offer free or paid SSL certificates as part of their hosting package. If you’re using PrestaShop, your hosting provider can usually install and configure your SSL certificate automatically.
For larger stores, we recommend choosing a paid-for certificate that offers insurance in the event of a problem and dedicated technical support. Installation generally takes from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your hosting provider.
Recognizing an SSL-secured site
A site protected by an SSL certificate is easy to recognize. The address begins with “https://” instead of “http://”, and a padlock appears in the browser’s address bar. When your customers see these elements in your store, they know that their data is protected.
Some browsers even display your company name in green in the address bar if you have an extended validation certificate. It’s an extra measure of trust that can make all the difference when finalizing an order.