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Oct 6, 2022

With regards to internet security, SSL certification, and PCI DDS in particular, the stakes are extremely high for online sellers and their creators. Moreover, the way to comply can be complex. However, the experts in e-commerce at are here to help. Below is a checklist for internet security for content creators that explains the best ways 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 you will notice either an "HTTP" or "HTTPS." The the last "s" is crucial to online sellers since it means your site is secure.

SSL (Secure SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is an online security method which encrypts the user's data when it travels from your website server to your client's browser. This form of Transport Layer Security (TLS) keeps sensitive customer information protected. Without SSL, hackers could get hold of information (like customer's credit card information shared during payment) and read it in plaintext.

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

SSL certificates are required to run an online store websites, and owners of the site must renew them each year. So what happens when retailers fail to renew the SSL certificate?

  • Search Rankings: Both browsers and search engines can punish websites that are organically search with no SSL certificates, by pushing them lower in online ranking. This means your website will reach fewer potential customers. Learn more about SEO (Search Engine Optimization (SEO) through the courses offered through CreatorU.
  • Security Alerts: Your website will be labeled as not secure, 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 end up losing the trust of the community--and you could find yourself financially responsible.

The solution is easy. If you are a partner of an online store that is secured (like ) The platform will maintain SSL certificates for each one of the sales pages you have supported.

In keeping SSL certificate, online platforms can help ensure that your website's sales stay PCI conformant that is vital to ensure that you can sell online.

PCI DSS Compliance and E-Commerce

PCI (Payment Card Industry) DSS is a global set of data security standards that apply to any online store that accepts transactions. The PCI standards govern a site's internet security to protect the payment information of customers. PCI standards are continuously upgraded to protect against latest data security threats as well as your online store will need to be updated to meet the new PCI DSS changes as they come out.

    What happens if Your E-Commerce Site is Not PCI Compliance?

Non-compliance to PCI DSS standards can financially ruin online sellers--especially small businesses. The payment processors can begin threatening your bank with huge penalties (up to 6 figures for each month of non-compliance) and the bank will pass onto your company.

It is possible to face closing your bank accounts and more transaction fees from payment processors. A small amount of non-compliance charges (starting with $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 stressful for businesses of every size. So it is obvious why many online sellers partner with an online platform with integrated PCI DSS conformity like .

: Sell From Your Website

    Are Sites Secure?

Best of all, each sales page is completely secured and compliant. Sales pages are equipped with security measures, like SSL, SCA, GDPR as well as PCI DSS compliance.