For years, Google has been actively seeking ways to encourage website owners to implement SSL certificates. SSL allows websites to be accessed over HTTPS, which encrypts information sent between the visitor and web server. Recently, Google has announced its “A secure web is here to stay” initiative and set a deadline of July 2018 to upgrade to “https”. Google will begin to blacklisting non-HTTPS websites that have allowed password fields and credit card forms to be filled and Google Chrome will begin warning users if a site is unsecured
How does this affect your site? Well, over 50% of Internet browsers worldwide are Chrome, meaning this change may have a significant impact on websites without an SSL certificate. A warning will affect how secure visitors to your site will feel and cause some visitors to leave a site. This will negatively impact a sites bounce rate, advertising impressions, affiliate clicks and eCommerce sales.
How Will Chrome Warn Visitors Of Unsecured Pages?
According to Google’s security blog the warning will be displayed in the Google Chrome address bar, indicating that a website is “Not secure.” All http websites will show this warning. Google’s announcement was firm in pushing their “A secure web is here to stay” initiative. If your website displays these warnings, your customers will be driven to your competitors website!
“Chrome’s new interface will help users understand that all HTTP sites are not secure, and continue to move the web towards a secure HTTPS web by default.” – https://security.googleblog.com
Having a secure domain is not only ethical for the protection of you an your visitors’ data, but also gives your website access to critical technology upgrades that will help it perform better in the long run. If your website provides consumer information, markets professional services or is an eCommerce website, you should ensure you upgrade to HTTPS prior to July 2018.
If you are unsure how to install the required certificates and update your website for HTTPS, the team at Hawkesbury Geek is available to assist.