SSL: what it is, and why we include it as standard

For most people, SSL is just the friendly padlock symbol next to a website’s URL, quietly doing its job to keep your data safe. But how did SSL become such a vital part of the web? And why should you, as a website owner, care?

Let’s dive into its evolution and explain why, at Krystal, we include it as standard with all our hosting plans.

A Brief History of SSL: from humble beginnings to essential web security

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, was introduced by Netscape (yep, the same company behind the early web browser, remember it?) back in the mid-90s - long before Google became a thing, let alone a verb.

Back then, the internet was like the Wild West - full of opportunity but also full of risks. SSL was created to protect sensitive information, like credit card details, from being intercepted by online outlaws.

The first attempt at SSL wasn’t exactly a triumph. SSL 1.0, released internally in 1994, never saw the light of day because it was riddled with security holes. In fact, it was famously "broken" within ten minutes during a presentation at MIT. But Netscape wasn’t discouraged. SSL 2.0 arrived the following year, and while it was better, it still had some vulnerabilities. Then came SSL 3.0 in 1996, which proved more robust and was widely used for years - until a major vulnerability to the POODLE attack that affects all block ciphers in SSL was discovered in 2014 and caused it to be deprecated.

Fast forward to today, and SSL has evolved into its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security). Technically, what we now refer to as "SSL" is really TLS - but the name has stuck, and we’re not going to argue over it. What matters is what it does: encrypting data between your browser and websites, shielding users from prying eyes, and ensuring you don’t accidentally get redirected to a malicious site. Today, it’s the backbone of HTTPS, the secure version of HTTP used for safe browsing.

So, while SSL had a bumpy start, it has grown into one of the most important tools for online security, providing a foundation of trust for the web.

Why SSL still matters today

You might be thinking, "Do I really need SSL? I’m not running a bank!" The answer is a resounding yes - and here’s why:

1. Trust: Today’s web users are savvy. They know to look for that padlock symbol, and without it, your site might appear "Not Secure." That’s not the first impression you want to make.
2. SEO boost: Google loves secure websites. HTTPS is a ranking factor for SEO and requires SSL to function. This means good security helps your visibility in search engine results.
3. Legal compliance: Depending on where you operate and what industry you’re in, you may be required by law to secure sensitive data. No SSL could mean serious legal consequences.
4. Security: SSL encrypts all data exchanged between your website and your visitors, whether they’re submitting a form, making a purchase, or simply browsing. This ensures their information stays safe from hackers.

SSL/TLS has become standard practice for any website handling user data, and its importance extends beyond e-commerce. From 2018, Google Chrome began marking all HTTP sites as “Not Secure”, requiring SSL for all sites handling user information, which helped make SSL/TLS default across the web. Today, over 95% of Google traffic is encrypted, and as of 2023, over 2.4 million SSL certificates are in use among the top 1 million websites worldwide.

With the rise of advanced threats like zero-day malware attacks, having SSL is no longer optional - it’s critical for any website that values security.

Why Krystal Includes SSL as standard

As a certified B Corp, our commitment to ethical business practices extends to every aspect of what we do. We believe that security should never be an afterthought - or an added expense. SSL isn’t just about ticking a box for us - it’s about safeguarding the trust you’ve built with your audience and ensuring your website is both reliable and secure.

That’s why we include SSL certificates with every hosting plan, at no extra charge. No complicated setups, no hidden fees - just secure, encrypted websites as standard.

A smarter choice for your security

Whether you’re running an e-commerce site, a personal blog, or anything in between, SSL is essential for building trust and ensuring security. And when you host with Krystal, you can rest easy knowing that your site’s security is already handled, so you can focus on what really matters - growing your business.

So if you’re currently paying your hosting provider extra for SSL, then perhaps it’s time you made the smart choice and switched to Krystal. In fact, if you switch over from one of the hosting multinationals (see the full list here), we’ll even convert the pro-rated value of any remaining contract time into credit you can use with us. We call this ‘Switch Credits’, and it’s an industry first.

Your website deserves the best, and at Krystal, that’s exactly what it gets.

Ready to secure your site?

With over two decades of experience, we’re committed to helping you thrive in a secure, safe online environment. If you’ve got questions about SSL, security, or anything else hosting related, our award-winning expert team is here to help.

(Source for SSL statistics: ClickSSL)