Gotta confess I am a need to know girl, so when something this important comes across my desk I am telling you, YOU need to know.
Here is Why HTTPS Matters for ALL Websites. HTTPS is how we / you protect your website privacy and secure your user’s information. “HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an internet communication protocol that protects the integrity and confidentiality of data between the user’s computer and the site. Users expect a secure and private online experience when using a website. We encourage you to adopt HTTPS in order to protect your users’ connections to your website, regardless of the content on the site.” From Google Yes, this is a bit techy but it is important.
HTTPS is not The Plural of HTTP
When checking your bank account or shopping online, you probably already know to look for the lock icon in your web browser’s address bar. This indicates your client (browser) is passing data to the site with encryption.
By default, a web page is served to the browser using the non-encrypted HTTP protocol. The protocol is the bit found at the beginning of a URL, or web address.1
HTTPS – the important part is the “S” Security, regular websites were just labeled as HTTP. You obtain the “S” in HTTPS by getting a SSL certificate which is the “middle man” to protect your website from cyber attacks, reduce malware, unwarranted exploitation and protect your website visitors.
Chrome and other browsers will display a “Not Secure” warning in the address bar (at the top of the page where your URL – website address is) before your website address. Google is trying to protect its users from security attacks.
Why do I Need an SSL Certificates Now?
SSL certificates are not new and have been used to protect online payments and information transfers for years.
You might be asking why do I need an SSL certificate (which creates the HTTPS) now? I am not an online shop, I don’t collect huge amounts of data so why do I need and SSL?
The answer is SEARCH. You need to follow Googles guidelines to have your website picked up and continue to rank in search. If your customers can’t find you in when they search for your keyword, the term you want to help them with eg “Light fitting X town” then it is the same as hanging out your digital closed sign, no one will ever come into your website.
HTTPS Protects the Integrity of Your Website
We all want our visitors to have a good experience on our website and follow through to become customers, buyers, long term clients and HTTPS is an important way of showing Google you are serious about your website security. Way back in 2016 Google was asking for websites to consider HTTPS – Chrome Developers Summit, now it is not an option HTTPS is a must for all website. Having a NOT secure label on your website is not a good user experience and this will scare off your potential visitors, therefore affecting your search ranking.
How do I Get HTTPS on my Current Website?
Your first step is to contact your website hosting provider. A lot of website hosting providers are now offering free or low cost SSL certificates and will help you install them on your current website.
Need help with SSL certificate and HTTP to HTTPS migration, contact Cathy and the team at CATCO Enterprises for help.
1. Source – sprydigital.com/security-2/chrome-http-warning-fixed-with-ssl
