Things like privacy and security on the internet are now becoming more and more important as the global network is getting more and more complicated due to the technological progress and the constantly growing number of users.
Nothing values as much as information in the 21st century and billions of dollars are invested annually by the world’s leading companies to ensure the safety of their databases that are probably serving as storages for large amounts of the client’s personal data as well as containing all the intimate technological and financial secrets belonging to the company.
However, data safety is not only a global web business concern, but an important issue that everyone who owns or operates the website should consider. In other words, you don’t have to be Bezos or Zuckerberg to attract the attention of malefactors who may collect and trade any kind of personal information they can steal online.
That’s why literally any website deserves at list the simplest SSL-encryption protection, which may save your time, energy, money and, what’s most important, your private data from being stolen. Further we will have a closer look at the principles of SSL-encryption security plugins and will present some of the finest that can be found.
SSL: What is it and how do we use it
SSL encryption is a type of cryptographic protocol that performs security and security-related functions once it is integrated with the website. The SSL protocol encrypts all or most of communications between the various computers (or any gadgets) within a network.
This kind of protection is widely used for such mediums as email services, messaging services, common web browsing and, of course, to secure all the communications between the computer and the network. SSL protocols also may have several other useful functions like data integration and the accurate correlation between servers.
Apart from SSL protocols, you can also frequently meet HTTPS security protocols online. They typically belong to the later generation of crypto protocols, and are also widely used by website owners. These HTTPS protocols are easily recognized by the green lock symbol that can be seen before the browser text string and, of course, HTTPS protocol instead HTTP protocol applied right after it.
If you see it on some website you are visiting, it means that your connection is secured by one of the HTTPS plugins. For instance, if you are visiting an online store, this or any other kind of encryption should be a must. Otherwise, your financial data may become vulnerable to any fraudulent third parties who may gain an advantage over it.
However, these are not all the perks of SSL encryption. The websites that secure all the internal and external communications make a better impression on the users that visit them. Google also pays attention to whether the website is secured or not. Some of the web resources may be marked as “not secure” if there is no additional protection applied. On the contrary, well-secured websites may be “encouraged” by Google. You can get a better rank in Google search, which will dramatically increase attendance.
Step-by-step integration between WordPress based website and security plugins
First Step
Decide what SSL or HTTPS plugin you will choose. There are many factors that you will need to take into account, so there is no need for haste. Depending on your budget, you can give your preferences to either a paid plugin or a free one. You also need to define what level of security your website requires. Depending on the servers that you use and the volume of data that you store, you can choose plugins featuring certain advanced features you may require. Also, you need to note how the plugin will affect the performance of the website.
Second Step
When the choice is made, you have to enable the certificate on your domain name. Don’t forget to integrate it with all the versions you operate – www and non-www based once.
Third Step
As you have enabled the plugin, it is time to adjust all the settings in order to reach the best performance and so it will perform all its duties the way you wish to. This part of the procedure may require some specialized programming skills as you will have to edit some WordPress files. However, for the casual user’s convenience, many specialized WordPress-friendly SSL and HTTPS plugins were developed. The once that don’t require and in-depth understanding of the process. With those, you only need to activate them and to turn them on.
Picking a perfect cryptographic protocol plugin for WordPress-based website
Well, if you are not a pro at SSL-related issues the best way is to address this question to the in-sphere pro who is able to give a good piece of advice on this issue. If you don’t know one, the causal research of users’ reviews may do the trick as well. However, in order to make this part easier for you, we have made our own list of plugins that may appear to be a perfect choice for you. The once listed below are very practical and require the least effort in operation.
Really Simple SSL
It is developed specifically to fit WordPress websites. This plugin features all the required basic features of the SSL plugin and is very easy to use. You can activate it just following the super-simple steps we described above. It is also incredibly popular among WordPress users because of its intuitive and easy-to-use interface. After getting a certificate and enabling Really Simple SSL, it automatically starts to redirect all the incoming requests from http to https urls.
One Click SSL
This one is also very simple and highly practical. One Click easily redirects unprotected pages to https and smoothly converts all the non-SSL resources like images, scripts and stylesheets. Naturally, it features a very easy-to-understand setup menu as well.
SSL Zen – Free SSL Certificate & HTTPS Redirect for WordPress
Just like other plugins listed, SSL Zen strictly adheres to the 3-click policy and guarantees smooth integration with any WordPress-based resource. Also, it offers a simple certificate installation and easy conversions to https format.
Easy HTTPS Redirection (SSL)
Another popular solution chosen by so many WordPress users all around the globe. With an understandable and easy-to-learn interface, it will easily redirect the pages as well as static files including images, css, js and other formats.
WP Force SSL
This practical plugin allows enabling HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) protocol that provides your website with some additional security against cookie theft and downgrade attack. Supports an easy 3-step policy and is highly rated by many users.