The basic reason of using SSL is to encrypt the secret information transferred across the internet so that only the intended recipient of those sensitive files can understand these. Any information that you exchange on internet floats from one computer to another before reaching the destination server. There are many computers on its route to the destination, which along with the server can get information about user name, passwords, credit card numbers and other important information if SSL certificate is not used for encryption. When the information is encrypted by using SSL certificates, the information no longer remains readable for everyone except for the intended recipient. This is also a proactive approach to protect your information from the identity thieves and hackers. Authentication Encryption apart, an SSL certificate also offers authentication. This implies you can be sure that your information will reach to the right server and not land on a criminal's server. The nature of network is that the information you are sending or the information being sent to you is going through several stops i.e. computers which could pretend to be the destination server and trick the senders into delivering their personal details. This hazard can be avoided through the use of Public Key Infrastructure and an SSL certificate from a reliable provider. Use of SSL is a way to gain trust from your customers. Web browsers provide visual cues, such as a green bar or a lock icon to ensure that the connection is secured. This simply implies they will build up trust for your website more whenever they get a view of those cues and feel more interested to approach your SSL provider for a purchase. Compliance to PCI It is crucial to know that you take credit card details on your website if you don't pass certain audit information such as PCI compliance which requires an authentic SSL certificate. How SSL offers protection against phishing A phishing email is what is sent by a cyber criminal who is trying to impersonate your website. The email usually contains a link pointing to their own website or exploits another middleman to use your domain name. This will be less likely for these criminals to get a proper SSL certificate, so they won't be able to exactly personate your website. This means your users will unlikely to fall prey to any kind of phishing attack because they will look for the trusted indicators on the web browsers.