There are many compelling reasons why insurance agency websites should move to SSL, including security, encryption, and trust. Google is making a big effort to switch all websites to SSL, saying that as of October 2017, “Passwords and credit cards aren’t the only types of data that should be private. Any type of information that users enter into websites should not be accessible to others on the network, so starting in version 62, Chrome will show the “Not Secure” warning when users enter data into HTTP sites.And eventually, we plan to show the “Not Secure” warning for all HTTP pages, even outside of Incognito. mode.”

What is SSL and why is it secure?

When browsing a website, you may see a resolved domain name beginning with http: Sites beginning with http: are not SSL sites. All SSL sites start with https:. SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer, which is the de facto standard used to establish an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. The SSL binding ensures that all data communicated between a web server and a browser remains private.

In other words, SSL keeps information sent over the Internet secure and private, allowing only the intended recipient to receive it in an understandable format. Many people don’t realize that the information they send over the Internet is passed from one computer to another, before it finally reaches the selected destination server. That means that any of those computers, which are communicating your information in this chain, can intercept important information like usernames, passwords, credit card information, medical information, etc. SSL encrypts this data, making the information unreadable to all but the final destination server. This is important to increase security and protect confidential information from hackers and identity thieves.

SSL authentication

SSL provides authentication in addition to encryption. As mentioned above, your information will generally be transmitted through a series of computers. A good example of this could be a quote form, which could contain sensitive information about prospective insurance clients. Any of these temporary computers could pretend to be the final destination website and hijack your sensitive information. This security issue is circumvented by using a public key infrastructure (PKI) and obtaining an SSL certificate from an authorized SSL provider. SSL certificates are provided to verified entities, such as your insurance agency, after they have gone through various identity checks to prove they are trustworthy. Insurance agencies that want to accept credit card payments will need to use SSL for their sites.

Browser warnings and visual clues

Major web browsers like Chrome, Mozilla, Safari, and Edge now provide indicators to help users determine if a secure website is safe. Sites that have SSL indicate that the site is secure in the upper left corner by using the word secure or offering visual clues. For example, the word “Secure” might appear, or a lock or other indicator icon. Conversely, a non-SSL site may contain a warning icon or otherwise indicate that your site is not secure, warning users not to send sensitive information through your website.

It’s only a matter of time before all insurance agencies and brokers must move their sites to SSL. SSL certificates are not expensive, typically running between $50 and $70 per year depending on the hosting provider, with many offering multi-year discounts. Our recommendation is that those insurance agencies that have not yet converted to SSL do so immediately. SSL certificates will help protect your agency, your clients, your prospects, and your sensitive data. Agencies that need assistance updating their insurance agency website or converting to SSL can contact a competent insurance agency marketing agency.