Why Website Security Is Non-Negotiable
A single security breach can damage your reputation, cost you customers, and impact your Google rankings. In 2025, cyber-attacks are more sophisticated — but so are the tools available to protect your website.
At Help.com, we believe that security shouldn’t be optional. Every small business website deserves to be fast, trusted, and safe for visitors.
What Is an SSL Certificate and Why It Matters
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data sent between your visitors’ browser and your website. When a site has SSL installed, you’ll see the padlock icon and “https://” before the URL, a sign that the connection is secure.
Benefits of Having an SSL Certificate
- Builds customer trust and credibility
- Prevents sensitive data theft (passwords, credit card info)
- Helps your site rank higher in Google
- Eliminates “Not Secure” browser warnings
Google confirmed SSL is a ranking factor, secure sites are prioritised in search results.
Types of SSL Certificates Explained
Different SSL certificates provide varying levels of validation. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Type | Ideal For | Validation | Benefit |
| DV (Domain Validated) | Blogs, portfolios, personal sites | Verifies domain ownership | Quick setup, affordable |
| OV (Organisation Validated) | Business websites | Confirms organisation details | Adds legitimacy and trust |
| EV (Extended Validation) | eCommerce or large businesses | Rigorous identity check | Displays company name in browser bar |
Tip: For Australian small businesses, OV SSL provides the best balance between cost, trust, and credibility.
How to Install SSL on Help.com Hosting
Adding SSL to your Help.com account is simple and takes just minutes.
- Log into your Help.com dashboard.
- Go to Security > SSL Certificates.
- Choose your SSL plan (DV, OV, or EV).
- Click Activate our system installs and validates automatically.
- Test your site at https://yourdomain.com to confirm the padlock is active.
Additional Steps to Strengthen Website Security
Even with SSL in place, layered protection is key. Combine encryption with hosting best practices:
- Daily Backups: Automatically back up files to restore instantly if needed.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Blocks common attacks before they reach your site.
- Regular Updates: Keep CMS, plugins, and scripts current.
- Strong Passwords: Use a password manager to avoid reuse or weak credentials.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer for admin logins.
Remember: 43% of small business attacks target unpatched software, a simple update can save you thousands.
Why Choose Help.com for Secure Website Hosting
When you host with Help.com, you don’t just get performance, you get peace of mind.
- Australian servers for fast, secure local performance
- Free SSL certificate included with every hosting plan
- Automatic malware scans & backups
- 24/7 Australian support from real security experts
- Upgrade anytime to advanced SSL or managed security plans
Protect Your Website and Your Reputation
Your customers trust you with their data, make sure it’s protected.
Whether you’re launching a new website or upgrading an existing one, Help.com’s secure hosting and SSL options make it easy to stay safe.
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