You've probably noticed that most websites now show a padlock icon in the browser address bar, and their URLs start with https:// rather than http://. That padlock means the site has an SSL certificate installed. If your site still shows "Not Secure", it's worth getting that sorted.
What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the technology that encrypts the connection between a visitor's browser and your web server. When SSL is active, any data passed between the two is scrambled so it can't be intercepted by a third party.
Why does it matter?
- Security: Contact forms and login pages transmit personal information. SSL keeps that data private.
- Trust: Visitors see "Not Secure" warnings in Chrome and Firefox on non-SSL sites — an immediate red flag.
- SEO: Google has used HTTPS as a ranking signal since 2014.
How do I get SSL?
All websites hosted with Flatout include SSL as standard. If you're hosted elsewhere, contact your hosting provider. Free SSL certificates are widely available through Let's Encrypt.