SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate allows your visitors’ web browsers to confirm that your website is secure and encrypted. Websites with a valid SSL certificate will begin with https://. Google will penalize websites without SSL certificates, and browsers will warn users if they are visiting a website with an invalid SSL certificate. When a website is protected by an SSL certificate, you’ll see a padlock icon in the address bar.
If you plan to sell services or products online, you absolutely need an SSL certificate. You should also have an SSL certificate if you collect personal data from visitors or have a login form on your website. You’ll sometimes get free SSL certificates with hosting packages, but you can also purchase premium ones for a higher level of security.