SSL Requirements for Donations with Fundraise Up
To ensure the security and integrity of online donations, Fundraise Up requires all websites using our platform to have a valid and up-to-date SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. An SSL certificate encrypts the data transmitted between a user's web browser and your website, protecting sensitive information such as donation details and personal data.
Why SSL is Essential
- Secure Transactions: SSL encryption safeguards sensitive data, preventing unauthorized access and protecting supporters' personal and financial information.
- Trust and Credibility: A secure website with an SSL certificate instills trust in supporters, demonstrating your commitment to their privacy and security.
- Compliance: Many payment processors and financial institutions require SSL certificates to comply with industry standards and regulations.
Checking Your Website's SSL Status
To determine if your website has a valid SSL certificate:
- Browser Icons: Modern web browsers display a lock icon in the address bar to indicate a secure connection. Clicking on the icon reveals more details about the website's security status.
- URL Prefix: A secure website's URL begins with "https://" instead of "http://". Ensure that your website's full address includes the "https://" prefix.
- Website Platforms: Some platforms, like Squarespace, automatically secure websites with SSL certificates as part of their setup.
Obtaining an SSL Certificate
If your website doesn't have an SSL certificate, you can obtain one through various methods:
- Website Platforms: Many platforms, such as WordPress, offer user-friendly SSL plugins. For example, the "Really Simple SSL" plugin can help you set up an SSL certificate on your WordPress site.
- Web Hosting Providers: Your web host (e.g., Pantheon, WP Engine, GoDaddy, Network Solutions) may provide SSL certificates upon request. Contact your hosting provider for assistance.
- Manual Configuration: If your website is not served by a platform or host that offers SSL services, consult your web server's documentation for instructions on configuring an SSL certificate. This typically involves:
- Ensuring the web server knows the location of the SSL certificate and serves your site over HTTPS.
- Configuring the web server to redirect all web traffic to the HTTPS version of your site, even if users type "http://" in the address bar.
Additional Considerations
- SSL Certificate Validity: SSL certificates have an expiration date. Ensure that your certificate remains valid and renew it before it expires to maintain a secure connection.
- Mixed Content Warnings: If your website loads some resources (e.g., images, scripts) over an insecure connection, browsers may display mixed content warnings. Ensure that all resources are loaded over HTTPS to avoid these warnings.
- Performance Impact: SSL encryption may slightly impact website performance due to the additional processing required. However, modern web servers and browsers have optimized SSL handshakes to minimize the performance impact.