What is a potential consequence of not using an SSL certificate on a website?

Not using an SSL certificate on a website significantly increases the risk of data breaches. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates encrypt the data transmitted between a user's browser and the web server. This encryption prevents unauthorized parties from intercepting sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal details during transmission. Without this encryption, data sent over the internet can be easily monitored and compromised by malicious actors, exposing both the website operator and its users to the potential of data theft, fraud, and various cyber threats. Ensuring that a website has an SSL certificate is a fundamental security measure that instills trust in users and protects their data from being exploited.