What is an SSL Certificate
and Why do we Need it?
To begin with, SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer - this refers to the layer of encryption between a web server and someone trying to access the content on that web server. An SSL connection is created by an SSL certificate. When this SSL certificate is in place, you’ll see a URL with the ‘https:’ instead of the usual ‘http:’ - this encrypted connection makes it very difficult for cybercriminals to intercept any data that’s submitted online (such as an online form or credit card information). A Certificate Authority (CA) is the company that furnishes the SSL certificate.
SSL certificates are not just for e-commerce sites or larger companies. Every website needs an SSL certificate whether or not it intends to take credit card payments online. Even if the only information you’ll ever collect via your website is a name and email address, you’ll need that encrypted connection so nothing ends up in the wrong hands. While an SSL certificate won’t completely keep hackers away, it can at least serve as a deterrent.
Excerpt from https://siteswan.com/what-are-ssl-certificates-why-are-they-important