When the site is secured with an SSL certificate, you can see the HTTPS abbreviation in the address bar with a padlock in front of it
When a site is not protected by an SSL certificate, the HTTPS abbreviation is missing and a padlock is crossed out. Such resources use outdated HTTP protocol. The S stands for the word Secure.
If you click on the lock icon, you can find out the data included in the SSL certificate, namely:
- the domain name of the certificate owner;
- name of the certificate issuing authority;
- date of issue and expiration date;
- related subdomains;
- public key.
When a user follows a link to a site that is not protected by an SSL certificate, the browser window most often displays a warning that the resource is not secure. In addition, such a site will be lower in search results compared to secured sites of the same subject.
A digital SSL certificate is an absolutely necessary attribute for any site today, regardless of whether the payment is made or user data is collected on it. Sites without an SSL certificate are very likely to be excluded from search results by search engines. Browsers will warn users that visiting the site is not secure. This way only a very persistent and targeted user will be able to get to the site. Most users won’t be able or willing to visit such a site.