Insurance agency websites should be moved to SSL for security, encryption, and trust reasons. Google is pushing for all websites to be SSL-enabled. In October 2017, Google stated that passwords and credit cards were not the only data that should remain private. All data entered into websites should be kept private. Therefore, starting with version 62 Chrome, the “Not secure” warning will appear when data is entered into HTTP sites. We plan to eventually show the “Not Secure” warning on all HTTP pages, even those not in Incognito mode.
What Is SSL and Why is It Secure?
You might notice a domain name resolve starting with http when you navigate to a website. Sites that start with http are not SSL sites. SSL sites all start with https: SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. This is the standard that is used to create an encrypted link between a browser and a web server. SSL links ensure that all data between a webserver and a browser is kept private.
SSL encrypts information sent over the Internet and makes it private. It also allows only the intended recipient to see it. Most people don’t know that the information they send over the Internet goes from one computer to another before reaching the destination server. Any one of these computers can intercept your usernames, passwords and credit card information. SSL encrypts the data making it unreadable to anyone except the destination server. This is essential for security enhancements and protection from identity thieves and hackers.
SSL Authentication
SSL allows for authentication and encryption. Your information will be transmitted via a number of computers, as mentioned above. One example is a quote form that might contain confidential information about potential insurance clients. Any of these intermediary computers could pretend to be your final destination website and steal your confidential information. This security problem can be avoided by using a Public Key Infrastructure and obtaining an SSL Certificate from an authorized SSL provider. After they pass a series of identity checks, SSL certificates can only be issued to trusted entities such as your insurance agency. SSL certificates will be required for insurance agencies that accept credit card payments.
Browser Warnings and Visual Clues
Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Safari all offer indicators that can help you determine whether an insurance website’s security is good. Sites with SSL are marked in the top left corner of the browser. This can be indicated by the use of the word secure or visual clues. You might see the word “Secure” or an icon or lock indicating that your site is secure. A site that does not have SSL might display a warning icon or warn users not to send sensitive information through your site.
It is only a matter time before all brokers and insurance agencies will need to migrate their websites to SSL. SSL certificates are affordable. They usually cost between $50-$70 per year, depending on the hosting provider. Many also offer multiyear discounts. We recommend that insurance agencies who have not yet converted to SSL should do so immediately. SSL certificates can help protect your agency, prospects, customers, and confidential data. A competent insurance agency marketing agency can assist agencies in updating or converting their website to SSL.
