Quick refresher: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the standard technology for securing internet connections and protecting sensitive data sent between two systems.
When we say that “SSL is not enabled” on a website, this indicates a number of potential problems that could compromise both the security of the website and the privacy of its users.
In this article, besides more info on this term, you will get insights into possible causes and consequences, as well as solutions to solve the problem.
“SSL not is enabled”: its meaning explained
“SSL not enabled” means that the communication between the visitor’s browser and the web server is not encrypted with SSL. The result is an unsecured connection where data, such as personal information and login details, are sent in so-called plain text and can potentially be intercepted by cyber criminals.
No SSL: causes
There are several reasons why SSL may not be enabled on a website:
- No SSL certificate installed: the web server does not have a valid SSL certificate installed.
- Expired SSL certificate: the website’s SSL certificate has expired and has not been renewed.
- Configuration errors: errors have crept n the configuration of the web server or the SSL certificate, preventing the SSL connection from being set up correctly.
- Partially insecure content: the website loads some resources (such as images, scripts or style sheets) over an unsecured HTTP connection, even if the website itself is loaded over HTTPS.
No SSL: consequences
A website without SSL can cause several security and privacy problems:
- Data theft: sensitive data can be easily intercepted by hackers.
- Loss of trust: visitors may see warnings that the website is not secure, which can lead to loss of trust and reduced website traffic.
- Legal non-compliance: websites that process personal data must comply with security standards such as the GDPR, and not using SSL can lead to legal problems and large fines.
No SSL: solutions
- Install SSL certificate: make sure your website has a valid SSL certificate installed.
- Renew expired certificates: If your SSL certificate has expired, renew it immediately.
- Fix configuration errors: Check the configuration of your web server and SSL certificate to identify and correct any errors.
- Remove mixed content: Make sure all resources on your website are loaded over HTTPS to avoid mixed content warnings.
Read: how do you tackle mixed content on your website?
Conclusion
It should be clear: “SSL not enabled” on a website is a serious issue that can compromise the security and privacy of user data.
You need to make absolutely sure that your site is configured correctly to use SSL encryption. This not only protects the user’s data, but also strengthens the trust and credibility of your website.