The all-seeing eye that is Google applies all manner of wonderful updates to make the internet a better place to do business. Its latest update, set to be rolled out this month, will make another vital step towards a more secure web. HTTPS encryption has been one thing that we’ve been keen for sites of all sizes and niches to adopt in recent months. Google Chrome’s July update actually sets a deadline for HTTPS encryption with any website not served over HTTPS marked as “not secure”.
What does this update mean for me?
From July 2018, Google Chrome will display a prominent warning to notify users that a website is not secure. This warning, which is displayed in the address bar and shown for all HTTP websites, may impact how browsers/potential customers feel about and use your website. The “not secure” marker is likely to cause many users to leave your website.
For many businesses, their website is the lifeblood of their company. Failure to secure the enquiries or sales they need to thrive online could have a detrimental effect on the wider success of the company. With some 40% of UK internet browsers using Chrome to surf the web, that’s a lot of business to miss out on. In addition to providing the reassurance new and existing customers need to work with your brand, HTTPS encryption unlocks a number of performance improvements and new features that simply aren’t available via HTTP.
How can I make my website secure?
Google’s requirements may have moved on since October’s update saw all websites containing forms flagged as insecure (find more information on these SSL changes here), but upgrading from HTTP to HTTPS is fairly simple. Your website and hosting provider should be able to assist you in getting the green padlock you need to instil confidence throughout your target audience and get customers purchasing with you after the Chrome update has been and gone.
Working with web hosting providers to obtain the SSL certificate you need to secure your website is the first step and most provide a low cost solution. Mixed content issues, whereby a secure page links to a URL deemed not secure, will need to be resolved by your web developer to fully secure your website. Act now to update your website in line with Google’s impending update.
If you’re a business owner who has a website that is not secured with an SSL certificate yet, don’t panic! Let us help by showing you how one of our pay monthly websites can give you the benefit of doing business from an encrypted website.
Image reference: Embroy Digital