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When it comes to online security, SSL certification, and PCI DDS, the stakes are exceptionally high for online sellers and creators, and the path to compliance can be difficult. However, the experts in e-commerce can help. Here is a guide for internet security for content creators and explains how to maintain compliance as you grow your online sales.

The Importance of SSL for online sellers

In the first line of your URL's URL there will be either "HTTP" or "HTTPS." The last letter "s" is crucial for online sellers, as it indicates your site is safe.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is an online security protocol that secures the data of users as it moves from your website server to the customer's web browser. This type of Transport Layer Security (TLS) keeps sensitive customer information protected. Without SSL security, hackers can take over data (like a customer's credit card information shared during checkout) and view it as plaintext.

    What happens if your Online Store Does Not Have an SSL Certificate?

SSL certificates are essential for online stores to operate Website owners have to renew them every two years. What happens if the online store owners fail to keep their SSL certificate?

• Search Rankings: Search engines and browsers search engines tend to make websites less attractive to organic searches with no SSL certificates by placing them in lower online rankings--meaning that your website is less likely to be seen by potential buyers. You can learn more about Search Optimization (SEO) or Search Optimization (SEO) through courses within 's CreatorU.
• Security Warnings: Your website is marked as not secure, and browsers like Google Chrome will inundate potential users with warnings to avoid visiting your website.
• Hacking threats: In the event that your customers get hacked by hackers, you might be unable to gain the trust of your community and be financially accountable.

It's good news that the answer is simple. If you are a partner of an online store that is secured (like ) this platform manages SSL certificates for all one of the sales pages you have supported.

In keeping SSL certificates, these online platforms help your sales page stay PCI certified and is crucial for sales online.

PCI DSS Compliance and E-Commerce

PCI (Payment Card Industry) DSS are the global data security standards that apply to all e-commerce websites accepting online transactions. The PCI standards govern a site's online safety to ensure they ensure the security of customer data when they pay. PCI standards are regularly updated to safeguard against the latest data security threats as well as your online store should be able to adapt to the latest PCI DSS changes as they come out.

    What Happens If your E-Commerce Site is Not PCI In compliance?

Infractions to PCI DSS standards can financially destroy online sellers, especially small ones. The payment processors can begin threatening your bank with huge penalty fees (up to 6 figures for each month for non-compliance) that the bank will pass to your business.

It is possible to face the possibility of closing your bank account and paying higher processing fees charged by payment processors. The smallest amount of non-compliance penalties (starting with $5,000 per month) can quickly bankrupt a small business.

Keeping up with online compliance standards can be stressful for companies of all sizes. Therefore, it's obvious why many online sellers choose to use an online platform with built-in PCI DSS compliance like .

Selling From Your Own Website

    Are websites secure?

Most importantly, every sales page is entirely safe and compliant. The sales pages come with built-in security measures, like SSL, SCA, GDPR and PCI DSS compliance.