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In the realm of the security of online transactions, SSL certification, and PCI DDS in particular, the stakes are extremely important for sellers on the internet and creators, and the process of achieving compliance is complicated. Thankfully, the e-commerce experts can help. This is a comprehensive guide to web security and security for creators, explaining how you can remain in compliance while growing the number of sales you make online.

The importance of SSL for online sellers

In the first line of the URL for your site, there will be either "HTTP" or an "HTTPS." This the last "s" is essential for sellers selling online, since it indicates your site is safe.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is an online security protocol which encrypts the user's data when it travels through your servers and a user's internet browser. This form of Transport Layer Security (TLS) keeps sensitive customer information protected. Without SSL, hackers could intercept information (like the credit card details shared at the checkout) and view it as plaintext.

    What Happens If Your Online Store Does Not Have an SSL Certificate?

SSL certificates are required for online stores to operate, and website owners must renew them every two years. So what happens when retailers fail to renew their SSL certificate?

• Search Rankings: Browsers and search engines are known to penalize websites in organic search that do not have SSL certificates by pushing them lower in online ranking. This means your website will reach fewer potential customers. Learn more about SEO (Search Optimization (SEO) or Search Optimization (SEO) in courses within 's CreatorU.
• Security Warns: Your website will be marked as unsecure, and web browsers such as Google Chrome will inundate potential customers with warnings against visiting your site.
• Hacking Threats: When your clients have been hacked, you may lose the trust of your community--and you could find yourself financially responsible.

The solution is quite simple. When you partner with an online store that is secured (like ), the platform maintains SSL certificates for all one of the sales pages you have supported.

In keeping SSL certificate, online platforms will help you to stay PCI compliant and is crucial to ensure that you can sell online.

PCI DSS Compliance and E-Commerce

PCI (Payment Card Industry) DSS are the global data security standards that apply to every online retailer that accepts online payment. They regulate websites' security online to protect the payment information of customers. PCI standards are regularly updated to safeguard against the latest data security threats Your e-commerce website should be able to adapt to the latest PCI DSS changes as they become available.

    What happens if your E-Commerce Site is Not PCI In compliance?

Failure to adhere to PCI DSS standards can financially ruin online sellers--especially small businesses. Payment processors will begin hitting your bank with massive penalty fees (up to 6 figures for each month for non-compliance), which banks will transfer to the business.

It is possible to face closing your bank accounts and more processing fees charged by payment processors. Even modest non-compliance fees (starting with $5k per month) could quickly cause the bankrupting of small businesses.

Keeping up with online compliance requirements can be a challenge for businesses of every size. So it is easy to understand why most online sellers choose to use an e-commerce platform offering integrated PCI DSS compliance like .

: Sell From Your Own Website

    Do websites have security?

Best of all, each sales page is entirely secured and compliant. Sales pages are equipped with security features, including SSL SCA, GDPR, and SCA, and PCI DSS compliance.