In today’s digital world, keeping online data secure is more important than ever. Two key technologies in web security are SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security). Let’s break down what they are, explain why they’re essential, and show how to get started with them!

Table of Contents

What are SSL and TLS

Alright, let’s dive into SSL and TLS—two technologies that make the internet more secure. Even if you’re not a tech expert, these are terms worth knowing. They’re essentially the shields that keep our online data safe!

What is SSL?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol designed to protect information transmitted over the internet. Netscape developed it in the 1990s as one of the first methods for securing data online. Back then, internet security was a new idea. SSL helped create the online protection we now see as standard.

Here’s how SSL works:

Encryption: SSL takes sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or passwords, and turns it into code. This code is unreadable to anyone except the intended recipient.
Authentication: SSL can confirm that you are truly connecting to the website you want. It helps prevent imposters from pretending to be that site. This way, it helps protect against “man-in-the-middle” attacks, where someone tries to intercept your data.
Data Integrity: SSL prevents tampering with the data sent and received. If you alter even a single bit of information, SSL will catch it and alert you.

Over time, SSL changed through several versions: SSL 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. However, hackers found ways to exploit these versions. Because of this, SSL was eventually replaced. The term “SSL” is still used today. Even though SSL is technically outdated, people often use it to refer to secure internet connections.

What is TLS?

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the upgraded, more secure version of SSL. After vulnerabilities were discovered in SSL, TLS was introduced to fill in the gaps. Today, TLS is the standard protocol used in secure communications.

How TLS improves on SSL:

Stronger Encryption: TLS supports newer, stronger encryption algorithms, making it harder for hackers to crack.
Enhanced Handshake Protocol: When a user connects to a website, they go through a process called a “handshake” to establish a secure connection. TLS has an improved handshake process, which is faster and more secure than the one used in SSL.
Support for Modern Security Measures: TLS allows for things like Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), which ensures that even if someone somehow gets access to one encryption key, they can’t use it to decrypt past communications.

TLS has also evolved with versions like TLS 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and now TLS 1.3, which is the most recent and secure version.

Understanding what SSL and TLS, is it important? — Image Source : certera

Differences Between SSL and TLS

Understanding SSL and TLS as two layers of internet security is essential, but what really sets them apart? Let’s break down their differences in a way that’s easy to understand, starting with the basics.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)

SSL is the original protocol for securing data on the web. Think of it as the “first generation” of secure internet connections. While SSL was revolutionary when it was introduced in the 1990s, it also had some limitations. As hackers got smarter, weaknesses in SSL became more apparent. Over time, experts noticed that SSL needed to be strengthened.

Key Points about SSL:

Older Encryption Standards: SSL uses older encryption standards that are more vulnerable to attacks, which is why it’s largely considered outdated today.
Fewer Security Features: SSL lacks some of the modern security protections that TLS offers, like advanced handshake protocols (the initial connection setup) and encryption methods.
Slower Performance: The way SSL sets up secure connections is slightly slower, meaning it takes a bit more time to connect securely with a website.
Versions: SSL went through a few versions, but by SSL 3.0, it was clear that the protocol had reached its limit in terms of security.

So, while SSL was crucial in developing online security, its older structure meant it needed a replacement.

TLS (Transport Layer Security)

TLS is the upgraded protocol that replaced SSL. It’s like the “next generation” of online security, with a lot of SSL’s original concepts but with much better, modern technology. Today, when we talk about secure internet connections, it’s actually TLS doing the work, even though people still use “SSL” as a general term.

Key Points about TLS:

Stronger Encryption: TLS uses updated, more complex encryption methods that make it far more challenging for hackers to break through. With each new version of TLS (currently TLS 1.3), encryption standards improve, making it more secure.
Better Handshake Protocol: TLS has a more efficient “handshake” process (the initial secure connection setup between client and server). This process is quicker and safer than SSL’s, which helps reduce the time it takes to load secure pages.
Added Security Features: TLS includes modern security features like Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), which means that even if an attacker gets access to one encryption key, they can’t use it to unlock past or future sessions.
Versions: TLS has also been updated over time, with the most recent version, TLS 1.3, being the most secure and efficient.

In summary, TLS takes SSL’s core purpose—creating secure, encrypted connections—but improves on it with faster connections, enhanced encryption, and better support for current security practices.

Recap: SSL vs. TLS

SSL: The original secure connection protocol, using older encryption and now largely outdated due to security weaknesses.
TLS: The upgraded protocol that builds on SSL’s ideas but with stronger encryption, faster connection setups, and additional security features to protect against modern threats.

So, when you see “SSL” or “https,” know that it’s likely TLS keeping your connection safe, even though “SSL” has stuck around as the term people use for secure connections.

Benefits of Using SSL and TLS

When we talk about SSL and TLS, we’re not just throwing around tech terms—they actually provide real, practical benefits to anyone who uses the internet. Here’s a look at what makes each of these protocols valuable on its own, with SSL being the foundational layer and TLS the upgraded version.

Benefits of SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) brought a lot to the table when it was introduced. Even though it’s outdated now, understanding its core benefits helps us see why it was such a game-changer in internet security.

Basic Encryption for Data Protection: SSL encrypts data sent between a user’s browser and a website server. This means that sensitive information, like credit card details, passwords, and personal information, gets converted into unreadable code, keeping it safe from prying eyes.
Basic Authentication: SSL allows websites to verify their identity, so users can be sure they’re connecting to the real site, not a fake or malicious version.
Enhanced Trust with Users: When SSL was the standard, seeing “https” and the padlock icon reassured people that a site was secure. Even back then, it encouraged trust, which was especially crucial for e-commerce and online banking sites.
Foundation for Modern Security: SSL paved the way for more advanced security protocols like TLS. By creating a base layer of encryption, SSL set the standard that all secure web connections now follow.

Also Read : Surf the Internet Safely With 7 Best Free VPN Service

Benefits of TLS

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is like SSL’s stronger, smarter successor. It keeps the good parts of SSL and adds more layers of protection to keep data even safer. Since TLS is what’s actively used today, its benefits are what we usually experience with secure connections.

Stronger, Modern Encryption: TLS uses updated, more complex encryption algorithms than SSL. This means it can secure data against a wider range of modern attacks. Each new TLS version improves encryption methods, with TLS 1.3 being the latest and most secure.
Advanced Authentication: TLS takes SSL’s basic identity verification a step further, ensuring that connections are genuinely between the intended client and server. This adds another layer of trust, especially in environments where data integrity is critical, like financial and healthcare sites.
Improved Speed and Efficiency: With an optimized “handshake” process (the initial secure connection setup), TLS makes establishing secure connections faster than SSL. This means less waiting for secure pages to load, enhancing user experience.
Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS): TLS includes features like PFS, which ensures that even if an encryption key is compromised, it can’t be used to unlock past or future data sessions. This keeps data safer, even in the rare event of a security breach.
Broad Device and Browser Compatibility: Because TLS is the modern standard, it’s compatible with nearly all browsers and devices, ensuring secure connections no matter how users are accessing your site.
Compliance with Security Regulations: TLS helps websites meet the latest security and data protection regulations, like GDPR in Europe and HIPAA in healthcare, which require businesses to use strong encryption for protecting user data.

Why Use SSL/TLS

SSL/TLS isn’t just for e-commerce sites or financial institutions. Any website that collects data, offers logins, or supports online transactions should use it. Even blogs and informational sites benefit because they provide a secure browsing experience. Both SSL and TLS play vital roles in internet security. When you see “https” in your browser’s address bar (the “s” stands for “secure”), it means you’re on a site protected by SSL/TLS. This protection encrypts sensitive information, making it harder for hackers to access and manipulate it. Plus, secure connections boost user confidence, making people more likely to trust and interact with your site.

In short, SSL and TLS are crucial for keeping online communications private and secure. While SSL got the ball rolling, TLS took over to provide even better protection. So, even though we often say “SSL” when we really mean “TLS,” it’s TLS that’s actively working to keep us safe on today’s internet.

Which Services Need SSL and TLS?

SSL and TLS aren’t just for e-commerce or banking sites; they’re essential across a wide range of online services. These protocols help keep sensitive information safe and reassure users that their data is secure. Here’s a breakdown of where SSL and TLS really matter and why.

E-commerce Websites

For any online store, SSL and TLS are a must. When customers shop online, they’re entering sensitive information, like credit card numbers, billing addresses, and personal details. SSL/TLS encrypts this information, keeping it safe from hackers and preventing data breaches. Plus, seeing the padlock icon in the URL reassures customers that the website is trustworthy, which is essential for sales.

Key Benefits for E-commerce Sites:

Protects credit card and payment details.
Increases customer trust and confidence.
Often required by payment processors for compliance.

Financial and Banking Services

Online banking, stock trading, and other financial services handle extremely sensitive data. SSL and TLS are mandatory for these sites because the risks of a data breach are high, and the consequences could be severe. By using strong encryption, these services protect both users’ financial information and their account details.

Key Benefits for Financial Services:

Keeps account information, transactions, and personal data secure.
Essential for regulatory compliance (e.g., PCI-DSS for payment card security).
Builds trust, which is critical in the financial industry.

Healthcare Websites and Patient Portals

Healthcare services, especially those with patient portals, deal with highly sensitive personal and medical data. SSL and TLS are necessary to comply with data privacy laws like HIPAA in the U.S., which mandates the protection of patient information. These protocols help ensure that medical records, test results, and personal health details are kept private.

Key Benefits for Healthcare Services:

Protects patient data and medical records.
Helps meet legal compliance, such as HIPAA.
Increases patients’ trust in online health services.

Email Services

When people send emails, they often include personal and sometimes sensitive information. Email services need SSL/TLS to secure these communications. Many email providers use SSL/TLS to encrypt emails while they’re being sent and received, which helps prevent interception by third parties.

Key Benefits for Email Services:

Prevents unauthorized access to email contents.
Protects login credentials for email accounts.
Reduces the risk of data breaches or identity theft.

Social Media Platforms

Social media sites manage a massive amount of personal data, including user profiles, messages, and location details. SSL and TLS are essential for keeping these connections secure. Most platforms encrypt user interactions to protect private messages, login credentials, and personal information shared between users.

Key Benefits for Social Media Platforms:

Protects user data and personal communications.
Prevents hackers from intercepting login information.
Builds user trust by ensuring a safe platform.

Login Pages and Membership Sites

Any website with a login page or membership access needs SSL/TLS to secure user credentials. This includes everything from online forums to educational platforms with member areas. Protecting usernames and passwords is crucial because if login credentials are stolen, they could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Key Benefits for Login and Membership Sites:

Secures usernames, passwords, and session data.
Reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
Improves trust among users who need to log in to access content.

Government and Public Service Websites

Government websites often handle a variety of sensitive information, from tax records to social services applications. SSL and TLS are essential for ensuring that citizens’ data remains secure during online interactions with government portals.

Key Benefits for Government Sites:

Protects sensitive citizen data.
Helps meet security regulations.
Builds public trust in digital government services.

Blogs and Informational Websites

Even though blogs and content sites may not directly handle sensitive information, SSL/TLS is still beneficial. With Google giving preference to HTTPS sites in search rankings, using SSL/TLS can improve SEO. Additionally, browsers may flag sites without HTTPS as “not secure,” which can turn visitors away.

Also Read : Increase Your Password Encryption: Different Types of Hash Encryption

Key Benefits for Blogs and Informational Sites:

Improves SEO and search engine rankings.
Shows visitors that the site is trustworthy.
Avoids browser warnings about unsecured sites.

Consequences of Ignoring SSL and TLS

Without SSL/TLS, websites are vulnerable to data breaches, identity theft, and other cyber attacks. This can harm your reputation, reduce customer trust, and lead to financial penalties if you’re handling regulated data. Visitors may also avoid your site if they see it’s not secure. When websites and services skip SSL and TLS, they leave their data—and their users—vulnerable. From data theft to lost trust, the impact can be severe. Let’s break down the potential consequences of neglecting SSL and TLS.

Data Breaches and Hacks

Without SSL and TLS, information sent between a user’s browser and a server is unencrypted and exposed. This means that if someone intercepts the data, they can read it without any barriers. Hackers can easily access sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data, leading to a major data breach.

Potential Consequences:

Stolen Credit Card Information: Without encryption, payment details are at high risk.
Identity Theft: Hackers could gather personal information and use it to impersonate users.
Loss of Sensitive Data: This can impact both the business and the customer, potentially causing financial losses and reputational damage.

Loss of User Trust

People are more aware of online security than ever before. When users visit a site and see that it’s “Not Secure” in the browser, they’re less likely to proceed. Without SSL and TLS, your website can quickly lose credibility, and potential customers may be scared away before they even interact with your site.

Potential Consequences:

Decreased Customer Confidence: People might hesitate to share personal details or make transactions.
Higher Bounce Rates: Visitors may leave immediately if they notice a site lacks security.
Long-term Reputation Damage: Negative word of mouth can discourage others from visiting your site, making it hard to regain trust.

Vulnerability to Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MITM)

A Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack happens when an attacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two parties. Without SSL or TLS, these attacks become significantly easier because the data being transferred is unencrypted. This can result in compromised login credentials, manipulated messages, and even fraudulent transactions.

Potential Consequences:

Compromised Login Details: Attackers could capture usernames and passwords, leading to unauthorized access.
Altered Information: Hackers could modify data, potentially causing misinformation or financial fraud.
Sensitive Data Exposure: This can lead to legal repercussions, especially if sensitive information is exposed.

SEO Penalties and Lower Search Rankings

Google and other search engines prioritize secure sites in their rankings. Sites that don’t use SSL or TLS often rank lower in search results. This isn’t just a minor issue; it can lead to a significant drop in organic traffic, affecting overall site visibility and business growth.

Potential Consequences:

Lower Search Rankings: Non-secure sites may be pushed down in search results, reducing visibility.
Decreased Traffic: Less visibility means fewer visitors and potentially fewer customers.
Missed Opportunities for Growth: Poor rankings can impact a site’s credibility and make it harder to compete online.

Non-compliance with Security Standards and Regulations

For industries like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce, SSL and TLS are not optional—they’re required by law. Regulations like GDPR, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA mandate strong encryption to protect users’ sensitive information. Ignoring SSL and TLS can lead to non-compliance, which may result in fines, lawsuits, and other legal issues.

Potential Consequences:

Hefty Fines and Penalties: Regulatory bodies can impose significant fines for non-compliance.
Legal Trouble: Breaches involving unprotected data can lead to lawsuits, especially if customer data is involved.
Damage to Business Relationships: Partners and vendors may be reluctant to work with non-compliant businesses, impacting growth.

Browser Warnings and Security Alerts

Modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari issue security warnings when users try to visit sites without SSL or TLS. These warnings are bold, visible, and often deter visitors from proceeding. This means that without SSL/TLS, your site could be flagged as “Not Secure,” which can seriously harm its reputation and drive visitors away.

Potential Consequences:

Fewer Visitors: Many users won’t proceed past a security warning, leading to a loss in potential traffic.
Damaged Brand Image: A site marked as “Not Secure” can make a company look untrustworthy.
Lost Revenue: For e-commerce sites, this can directly impact sales and conversions.

Increased Risk of Phishing and Fraud

Without SSL/TLS, it’s easier for attackers to set up phishing sites that mimic a legitimate site. By doing so, they can trick users into entering their details, like login credentials and credit card information. When SSL and TLS are in place, users can easily tell they’re on a secure site thanks to the “https” and padlock icon in the URL.

Potential Consequences:

User Data Theft: Phishing sites can lead to stolen personal information and login credentials.
Brand Reputation Damage: If phishing sites target a business’s customers, it can lead to distrust.
Financial Losses: Phishing attacks can lead to revenue loss if users fall for fraudulent schemes.

How to Get Free SSL/TLS

Getting SSL and TLS certificates for free is easier than ever. Whether you’re running a blog, an e-commerce site, or just want secure connections, there are great options out there that let you add security without adding costs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started.

Let’s Encrypt

Let’s Encrypt is one of the most popular providers of free SSL and TLS certificates. It’s a non-profit organization that provides domain-validated certificates for free. Let’s Encrypt is widely used and supported by most major hosting providers and website platforms.

How to Get Started with Let’s Encrypt:

Choose a Hosting Provider: Many hosting providers have direct integration with Let’s Encrypt, allowing you to install SSL with a few clicks from your hosting dashboard. Check your hosting provider’s settings to see if it’s supported.
Use Certbot: If your hosting provider doesn’t support automatic installation, you can use Certbot, a tool created by Let’s Encrypt that automates the process of getting and renewing certificates. You’ll need access to your server, and Certbot will guide you through the setup.
Automatic Renewal: Let’s Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days but can be renewed automatically with tools like Certbot. This keeps your SSL up-to-date without having to worry about expiration.

Key Benefits of Let’s Encrypt:

100% Free: Let’s Encrypt certificates are completely free.
Easy Setup: With a hosting provider or Certbot, it’s a straightforward process.
Automatic Renewal: Certbot handles renewals, so your site is always secure.

Cloudflare SSL

Cloudflare offers a free SSL/TLS service as part of its free plan. This is a great option for sites that already use or are considering using Cloudflare for CDN and security services. With Cloudflare, you don’t need to go through complex installations because it sits between your website and visitors, providing SSL without the need to modify your hosting server.

How to Get Started with Cloudflare SSL:

Sign Up for Cloudflare: Go to Cloudflare’s website, sign up for a free account, and follow the steps to add your website.
Change Your Domain’s DNS: Cloudflare will provide new nameservers. You’ll need to update these on your domain registrar’s site to route your traffic through Cloudflare.
Enable SSL/TLS: Once your domain is set up on Cloudflare, you can enable SSL in the settings. Cloudflare offers different SSL options (Flexible, Full, and Full Strict), so choose the one that suits your site’s setup.

Also Read : Understanding Web Vulnerabilities: Make Security as Your Priority

Key Benefits of Cloudflare SSL:

Easy Setup with No Server Changes: Cloudflare SSL doesn’t require server access, making it ideal for users who can’t install SSL certificates directly.
Free as Part of the CDN Service: Cloudflare’s free plan includes SSL, CDN, and other security features.
Flexible Security Options: You can choose between different SSL types depending on your security needs.

ZeroSSL

ZeroSSL is another provider that offers free SSL certificates with a user-friendly process. You can get a free 90-day SSL certificate without complicated installations, and they provide both web-based and API-based setup options.

How to Get Started with ZeroSSL:

Sign Up on ZeroSSL: Go to the ZeroSSL website and create a free account. ZeroSSL offers 90-day certificates for free, which you can renew or replace every three months.
Follow the Guided Setup: ZeroSSL provides an easy web interface that guides you through the steps of generating and validating your certificate. You’ll need to validate your domain, which can be done by email, DNS, or file upload.
Download and Install: Once validated, download your certificate and install it on your server. ZeroSSL offers guides for various server setups, making it easier if you’re not familiar with SSL installation.

Key Benefits of ZeroSSL:

Easy Setup Process: The guided interface helps even beginners get set up quickly.
Free 90-Day Certificate: ZeroSSL offers free certificates that you can renew every 90 days.
Additional Tools and API: ZeroSSL has advanced options and an API, which is great for developers who want automated SSL management.

Highly Recommended for Premium Security

If you’re looking for an extra level of security, advanced features, or more comprehensive support, paid SSL and TLS services might be the way to go. Paid services often come with perks like extended validation, strong warranties, and customer support—ideal for e-commerce sites, large businesses, and organizations that handle sensitive data. Here are three of the best paid SSL/TLS providers on the market.

DigiCert

DigiCert is a top choice for SSL/TLS, especially for enterprises and organizations that need maximum security. Known for high-quality certificates and premium customer support, DigiCert offers everything from single-domain SSLs to wildcard and multi-domain certificates. Their certificates are widely trusted and come with advanced encryption, robust validation options, and excellent support.

Why DigiCert Stands Out:

High Trust and Compatibility: DigiCert’s certificates are highly compatible across all major browsers, operating systems, and mobile devices, ensuring seamless and secure browsing.
Enterprise-grade Security: DigiCert provides features like Extended Validation (EV) certificates, which give the highest level of authentication and display a company name in the browser bar, increasing user trust.
Superior Customer Support: They offer 24/7 support and a dedicated team for assistance with complex setups or troubleshooting, making it great for businesses that need consistent help.
Fast Issuance: DigiCert is known for its quick issuance times, which is beneficial when time is of the essence.

Plans and Pricing:

Standard SSL: Prices start around $218/year, perfect for small to medium-sized businesses.
Wildcard SSL: Starting at $599/year, this covers unlimited subdomains.
Multi-Domain SSL: Ideal for companies with multiple sites, prices vary based on domain count.

Key Takeaways for DigiCert:

Offers high-trust certificates with EV options.
Excellent compatibility across all devices and platforms.
Recommended for organizations needing top-tier support and security.

Sectigo (formerly Comodo)

Sectigo, previously known as Comodo, is a strong competitor in the SSL/TLS space, providing reliable security at affordable prices. Sectigo has a range of options, from single-domain certificates to EV and wildcard options, catering to small businesses, e-commerce, and enterprise-level security needs. It’s known for its easy installation process and affordable pricing, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes.

Why Sectigo Stands Out:

Affordable Pricing: Sectigo is one of the most cost-effective premium SSL providers, offering high-value security features without breaking the bank.
Strong Warranty: Many Sectigo SSL certificates come with a large warranty, up to $1.5 million, which shows confidence in their security.
Extended Validation Options: Sectigo’s EV SSL certificates provide a visible trust indicator in the browser, boosting customer confidence for businesses handling transactions.
Easy Installation and Renewal: Sectigo provides automated tools and customer support to make installation, validation, and renewal simple and stress-free.

Plans and Pricing:

Positive SSL: Starting at $7.27/year, it’s a great affordable option for small sites.
EV SSL: Around $249/year, this is ideal for businesses needing top-level validation and visible browser trust indicators.
Wildcard SSL: Priced around $80/year, covering unlimited subdomains affordably.

Key Takeaways for Sectigo:

Excellent value for the price with high warranty coverage.
Offers an EV SSL option for visible trust markers.
Best for businesses seeking robust security on a budget.

GlobalSign

GlobalSign is a leading SSL provider with a strong reputation for security and extensive customization options. Known for its enterprise-grade features, GlobalSign is ideal for large organizations and e-commerce sites with complex security needs. They offer scalable SSL solutions and robust support for high-traffic websites or companies with strict compliance requirements.

Why GlobalSign Stands Out:

Enterprise-level Options: GlobalSign offers highly customizable SSL solutions that fit the needs of businesses requiring flexibility and top-notch security.
Cloud-based Management: With GlobalSign’s Cloud SSL platform, businesses can manage multiple certificates easily, saving time on renewals and updates.
High Reliability: GlobalSign’s certificates are known for strong encryption and come with one of the highest warranties in the industry, covering up to $1.5 million.
GlobalReach and Compliance: GlobalSign meets strict compliance standards (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.), making it a trusted choice for companies in regulated industries.

Plans and Pricing:

DomainSSL: Starting at around $249/year, great for smaller businesses that want premium security.
OrganizationSSL: Priced around $349/year, offering organization validation for extra trust.
ExtendedSSL (EV): Around $599/year, providing full Extended Validation, ideal for high-security needs.

Key Takeaways for GlobalSign:

Great for enterprises needing scalable SSL solutions.
Cloud-based management makes it easy to handle large numbers of certificates.
High trust level and strong compliance support for regulated industries.

Conclusion

Using SSL and TLS security is all about keeping data safe, building trust, and giving visitors a better experience. When we add SSL/TLS to our website, we’re ensuring that any data shared between the site and users is encrypted—meaning hackers can’t just intercept and read it. This is especially important for sensitive information, like passwords, credit card details, and personal data.

Beyond security, SSL and TLS make websites look trustworthy. People are more likely to stay and interact with a site that shows the little padlock in the URL bar because it signals, “This site is secure.” Plus, search engines like Google prioritize secure sites, which means better search rankings and more visibility.

In short, SSL and TLS aren’t just technical add-ons—they’re essentials. They protect user data, increase trust, and help sites perform better overall. For anyone running a website today, they’re a simple, powerful way to create a safer, more trustworthy online experience.