If you run or manage a business that relies on IT, you need a cyber security strategy. You’re responsible for dealing with critical issues such as securing your internal network and cloud services, and implementing the best password policy strategy.
There’s more – identifying the latest security threats, resisting phishing techniques, finding the most secure hosting environment and, of course, picking out the right SSL certificate.
Studies show that the number of cyber attacks against US companies is on the rise, both in frequency and severity1. Recent cyber attacks on companies such as Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Airlines, Sabre Corp. and American Airlines have resulted in the theft of customer information and cost these companies millions of dollars to rectify.
While these “big fish” companies may offer a larger payday for hackers, businesses of all sizes need to protect themselves. In reality, the easiest targets for cyber attackers are small businesses, as they often have less money and fewer resources to adequately secure their websites. Customers list web site security as a top consideration when they decide to shop online. It is essential, therefore, to keep the data exchanged between your business’ website and your customers as safe and private as possible. Security breaches lead to loss of revenue, damage to a company’s credibility, and erosion of customer loyalty.
Properly selecting a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) can help to solve these problems simply, and in most cases, inexpensively. SSL encryption is set up by the browser (or any application which uses SSL) and ensures that the data sent between the user and a website cannot be read or forged by any third party.
So, which SSL should you choose?
If you own an e-commerce website or any website that collects sensitive visitor data, you should choose an SSL that combines security with business validation, such as an Extended Validation SSL. EV SSL certificates are the most hacker-proof certs in the industry and are identified by turning some or all of a browser’s URL field green. Since every EV applicant must pass a strict ID verification procedure, the EV SSL’s “green bar” is a visual assurance to visitors that their data is safe, private and handled by your business alone, thereby helping to increase your sales and conversion rates significantly.
Find a range of the most popular EV single- and multi-domain Comodo, GeoTrust, Symantec and Thawte certificates here.
12015 Cost of Cyber Crime Study: United States report
Cora is a digital copywriter for SSLs.com. Having eight years of experience in online content creation, she is a versatile writer with an interest in a wide variety of topics, ranging from technology to marketing.