SSL certificate — why your website must be secure

See the padlock next to a website address in your browser? That’s an SSL certificate. It means the connection between your browser and the site is encrypted — nobody can intercept the data being sent. In 2026, no SSL isn’t just a security risk — it’s a signal to customers and Google that your site is untrustworthy.

What exactly is SSL/TLS?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols that encrypt data sent between a user and a server. When a site has SSL, its address starts with https:// instead of http://. The browser displays a closed padlock — a signal of security.

Without SSL: form data (name, email, phone) is sent in plain text — anyone on the same Wi-Fi network can intercept it. With SSL: the data is encrypted and unreadable to outsiders.

Why SSL is mandatory in 2026

• Google penalises sites without SSL: Since 2018 Chrome has flagged non-HTTPS sites as “Not secure”. Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor
• Customers don’t trust sites without a padlock: 85% of users will not buy from a site without HTTPS
• GDPR requires it: If you collect personal data (a contact form counts!) you must protect it — SSL is the minimum
• Browsers block content: Modern browsers increasingly aggressively block HTTP resources (images, scripts)

Types of SSL certificates

• DV (Domain Validation): Basic, verifies domain ownership. Free (Let's Encrypt) or 50–200 PLN/year. Sufficient for most businesses
• OV (Organization Validation): Verifies the company. 200–500 PLN/year. For businesses that want extra credibility
• EV (Extended Validation): Full company verification. 500–2,000 PLN/year. For banks, e-commerce and institutions

How to get a free SSL certificate

Let's Encrypt is a free SSL certificate used by more than 300 million sites worldwide. Most hosting providers (OVH, home.pl, nazwa.pl) offer automatic Let's Encrypt installation. The certificate renews automatically every 90 days — zero cost, zero hassle.

What to do if your site has no SSL

If your site shows “Not secure” in Chrome — act immediately. Contact your hosting provider and ask for a Let's Encrypt install. After installation, make sure the entire site loads over HTTPS (not just the home page). Redirect every http:// address to https:// — this matters for SEO.