A Secure Socket Layer or SSL Certificate is what encrypts connections to your website that allows your site to load with the secure pad lock in the URL bar.
Why is it important?
A Secure Sockets Layer is used to secure the data transmitted over the internet between your computer and the destination servers. This could be the password you used to log into Facebook or your credit card information when you are purchasing something online, basically any important information you wouldn’t want others to know.
With an SSL certificate, any information that is transmitted becomes encrypted by inserting random characters into the original message making it unreadable to everyone except the intended server. It nearly impossible for hackers to steal your information.
Should I use SSL?
Yes. It helps keep your customer’s information safe and having the padlock on your website keeps their mind at ease. You want to make sure whatever you are sending over the internet is going to the right server.
Google Chrome now labels any website that does have a SSL as “Not secure” so even if you are not transmitting sensitive information the idea that someone is on a unsecure website is often enough for them to search elsewhere.