What is one consequence of not using SSL on a website?

Not using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) on a website can lead to exposure to potential data breaches. SSL is a protocol that encrypts data transmitted between the user's browser and the web server, ensuring that sensitive information such as credit card numbers, login credentials, and personal data is secure during transmission. Without SSL, data sent over the network is vulnerable to interception by malicious actors, who can exploit this information for various malicious purposes, including identity theft and unauthorized access to accounts.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of not using SSL. For instance, not using SSL does not inherently lead to the inability to load the website, nor does it increase user trust; in fact, many users look for indicators, such as the presence of 'https://' in the URL, as a sign of security. Additionally, while some might mistakenly believe that the absence of SSL could lead to faster website performance, the security trade-offs and risks to data integrity far outweigh any potential speed benefits. Thus, the primary and most significant consequence of not implementing SSL is the increased vulnerability to data breaches.