Why You Need a Security Certificate for Your Website: Risks of Not Having One
Dec 29, 2025
Have you noticed that some website URLs start with "https://" while others show "http://"? That small "s" makes a huge difference—it means the website has a SSL certificate that encrypts data between your browser and the server.
If you run a website without a SSL certificate, you're putting your visitors at risk and harming your business. This guide explains what SSL certificates are, why they're essential, and what happens when you don't have one.
What is SSL Certificate?
A SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates your website's identity and enables encrypted connections. When installed on your web server, it allows you to use HTTPS instead of HTTP, protecting sensitive information as it travels between visitors' browsers and your server.
How it works?
- A visitor connects to your website
- The SSL certificate encrypts their data
- Encrypted data travels safely across the internet
- Your server decrypts it using a private key
This encryption protects passwords, credit card numbers, personal information, and any other data your visitors enter.
Why SSL Certificates Are Essential for Every Website?
1. Protect Visitor Data from Hackers
Without SSL encryption, data travels in plain text. Anyone intercepting the connection—on public Wi-Fi, through network equipment, or using hacking tools—can read:
- Usernames and passwords
- Credit card details
- Personal information
- Private messages
- Form submissions
With SSL encryption, this data becomes unreadable gibberish to attackers, even if intercepted.
2. Build Trust with Your Visitors
Modern browsers show clear security warnings for websites without SSL certificates:
- "Not Secure" warning in the address bar
- Full-page warnings on some browsers
- Red warning icons that scare visitors away
These warnings make visitors think twice before entering any information on your site. Many will simply leave rather than risk their data.
With a SSL certificate, browsers show a padlock icon and "Secure" label, giving visitors confidence that your site is safe.
3. Boost Your Google Search Rankings
Google has made HTTPS a ranking signal since 2014. Websites with SSL certificates get a ranking boost in search results, while those without may rank lower.
For competitive keywords, this can mean the difference between appearing on page one or page two—drastically affecting your traffic and business.
4. Meet Compliance Requirements
Many regulations require encrypted connections:
- PCI DSS: Mandatory for any site processing credit card payments
- GDPR: Required for protecting personal data of EU visitors
- Local regulations: Many countries have data protection laws requiring encryption
Operating without SSL can result in fines, legal issues and loss of payment processing capabilities.
5. Enable Modern Web Features
Browsers increasingly restrict features on non-HTTPS sites:
- Geolocation services
- Camera and microphone access
- Progressive Web App (PWA) features
- Certain APIs and third-party integrations
Without SSL, your website can't use these modern capabilities.
Serious Risks of Not Having a SSL Certificate
1. Data Breaches and Customer Loss
When visitor data gets stolen due to lack of encryption:
- Customers lose trust and leave permanently
- Your reputation suffers long-term damage
- Word spreads through reviews and social media
- Recovery takes months or years
One breach can destroy years of reputation building.
2. Revenue Loss
The impact on your bottom line includes:
- Visitors abandoning your site due to "Not Secure" warnings
- Lower conversion rates as people avoid entering information
- Reduced search traffic from lower rankings
- Lost sales from payment processing issues
- Decreased mobile traffic (mobile browsers show stronger warnings)
Studies show that 85% of online shoppers avoid websites without proper security indicators.
3. Legal and Financial Consequences
Operating without adequate security can lead to:
- Regulatory fines for non-compliance
- Lawsuits from affected customers
- Loss of payment gateway access
- Inability to process credit cards
- Legal costs defending against claims
For businesses handling customer data, these costs can be devastating.
4. Competitive Disadvantage
While you operate without SSL, your competitors with HTTPS:
- Rank higher in search results
- Convert more visitors into customers
- Build stronger trust and loyalty
- Appear more professional and credible
In competitive markets, lack of SSL certification means falling behind.
Types of SSL Certificates
Different websites need different levels of validation:
1. Domain Validated (DV) SSL
- Best for: Personal websites, blogs, small business sites
- Validation: Proves you own the domain
2. Organization(Business) Validated (OV) SSL
- Best for: Business websites, corporate sites
- Validation: Proves domain ownership plus organization legitimacy
3. Extended Validation (EV) SSL
- Best for: E-commerce, banking, high-security sites
- Validation: Thorough verification of organization and legal status
4. Wildcard and Multi-Domain SSL
- Best for: Multiple subdomains or completely different domains
- Wildcard: Secures unlimited subdomains (*.yourdomain.com)
How to Get an SSL Certificate?
Getting an SSL certificate is straightforward:
Step 1: Choose the right certificate type based on your website's needs and validation requirements.
Step 2: Select a certificate provider that offers reliable certificates from trusted authorities.
Step 3: Complete the validation process which varies by certificate type—from simple domain verification to detailed business documentation.
Step 4: Install the certificate on your web server. Many hosting providers handle installation automatically.
Step 5: Configure your website to use HTTPS and redirect HTTP traffic to the secure version.
Step 6: Test thoroughly to ensure all pages load correctly with HTTPS and no mixed content warnings appear.
Note: If you're hosting with srilankahosting.lk, the entire process becomes even simpler—from certificate selection to installation and configuration, their technical team handles the setup, ensuring your website is properly secured without you needing technical expertise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not renewing on time: SSL certificates expire (typically after 1 year). Set reminders or use auto-renewal to avoid lapses.
Mixed content issues: Loading images, scripts, or resources over HTTP on an HTTPS page triggers browser warnings. Ensure all resources use HTTPS.
Wrong certificate type: Don't use a single-domain certificate when you need wildcard coverage, or DV when regulations require OV/EV.
Self-signed certificates: While technically functional, browsers show severe warnings for self-signed certificates. Always use certificates from trusted authorities.
Conclusion
SSL certificates are no longer optional—they're a fundamental requirement for any website. The risks of operating without one are simply too high:
- Exposed visitor data vulnerable to theft
- Lost trust and credibility with customers
- Lower search rankings and reduced traffic
- Potential legal issues and fines
- Competitive disadvantage
Fortunately, SSL certificates are affordable and easy to implement. The small investment protects your visitors, strengthens your reputation, improves your search rankings, and gives you peace of mind.
Don't wait for a security incident or lost customers to take action. Protect your website and visitors with proper SSL encryption today.
Need an SSL certificate for your website? srilankahosting.lk offers a complete range of SSL certificates including Domain Validated, Organization Validated, Extended Validation, and Wildcard options—all from globally trusted certificate authorities. Our team handles the technical setup, ensuring your website is secure and properly configured. Explore SSL certificate options →
