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In the realm of the security of online transactions, SSL certification, and PCI DDS as a whole, the stakes are incredibly high for online sellers and their creators. Moreover, the way to comply can be difficult. Thankfully, the e-commerce experts at are here to help. This is a comprehensive guide to web security and security for creators and explains how to keep your compliance in the course of growing your sales online.

The importance of SSL for online sellers

At the beginning of your URL's URL you will notice either an "HTTP" or "HTTPS." That the last "s" is essential for sellers selling online, since it signifies that your website is safe.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is an online security protocol which encrypts the user's data when it travels through your servers and your client's browser. This type of Transport Layer Security (TLS) protects sensitive information about customers. Without SSL security, hackers can get hold of information (like the credit card information shared during the checkout) and view it as plaintext.

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

SSL certificates are required to run an online store, and website owners must renew them every two years. So what happens when online sellers fail to maintain their SSL certificate?

• Search Rankings: Search engines and browsers search engines are known to penalize websites in organic search with no SSL certificates, by placing them in lower online rankings--meaning that your website will reach fewer potential customers. It is possible to learn more about SEO (Search engine Optimization (SEO) by taking courses within 's CreatorU.
• Security Alerts: Your website will be labeled as unsecure, and web browsers such as Google Chrome will inundate potential visitors with messages warning them against using your website.
• Hacking Threats In the event that your clients get hacked by hackers, you might be unable to gain the trust of your community--and you could find yourself financially accountable.

The solution is easy. If you are a partner of a secure e-commerce website (like ) The platform will maintain SSL certificates for each of your supported sales pages.

In keeping SSL certificates, these e-commerce platforms help your sales page stay PCI certified 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 any online store that accepts payment. They regulate websites' online safety to ensure they keep customer payment data secure. PCI standards are constantly 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 become available.

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

Failure to adhere in accordance with PCI DSS standards can financially damage online sellers, particularly small companies. The payment processors can begin threatening the bank with massive penalty fees (up to 6 figures for each month of non-compliance) and banks will transfer onto your company.

It is possible to face bank account closures and higher processing fees charged by payment processors. A small amount of non-compliance charges (starting around $5k per month) will quickly put a dent in small-scale businesses.

Making sure you are in compliance with the latest online security standards can be difficult for all businesses. So it is easy to understand why most online sellers choose to use an e-commerce platform that offers built-in PCI DSS compliance like .

Selling From Your Website

    Are websites secure?

Best of all, each sales page is entirely safe and compliant. Sales pages are equipped with security options, such as SSL, SCA, GDPR and PCI DSS compliance.