What Is SSL and do I need it for my website? This is a question we get asked a lot, to give you the short answer, yes, you should have it for your website because it allows for secure data transfer between your website and users. Read the article below to get more information.
Over the years, Google has been wanting to encourage all website owners to implement SSL certificates. SSL enables websites to be accessed securely via HTTPS, this encrypts data and information sent between the web server and visitor.If you are intending to implement HTTPS on your site, which we highly recommend, we can help you.
Online discussion has surrounded how Google is evolving from a reward system to a punitive one. Websites that are using SSL have continued to enjoy an SEO boost since it became a confirmed ranking signal in 2014, but a few months ago it was evident that Google was blacklisting non-HTTPS websites that allowed forms, password fields and credit card details to be entered.
In just over a month, Chrome version 62 will be released, and websites with any kind of text input will require an SSL certificate if they want to avoid a “Not Secure” warning in the address bar.
At the moment we are not sure if this is a step toward blacklisting sites that use contact forms without SSL. However, from Google’s perspective this makes sense. Over time, as more websites implement SSL, the websites who do not will have an additional incentive to make the change or risk the potential penalties. Over time Google has ramped this up continuously, and it’s not likely there will be any change in pace.
Whilst users don’t often notice the “not secure” warning, service providers and website owners should be responsible and protect their users from unknowingly sending sensitive information to their servers. Google is taking this seriously and will no doubt have a role in policing this.
Is your website secure?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have a contact form that requires personal information?
- Do you accept payments online?
If you answered yes to either of these questions then having a secure website is essential. Even if you are not using your website for collecting information it is still highly recommended.
How can I tell if my website is secure? Look at the address bar see if it has HTTP (Not secure) or HTTPS (Secure) before the web address – look at the address bar for this website it is secure.
Please take a few minutes to watch our video and find out about our Professional Website Design
