Google Chrome now marking non-SSL websites as “not secure”
In a move to make the internet and websites more secure, the Google Chrome browser is now marking non-SSL websites as “not secure”.
We encourage you to adopt HTTPS in order to protect your users’ connections to your website, regardless of the content on the site.
What Is SSL?
SSL stands for “Secure Sockets Layer” and is an add-on for servers that uses cryptographic technology to secure the connection between your web browser and the server containing the website you’re requesting (SSL has other uses but this is most relevant for websites).
Why Is Having SSL A Good Thing?
- Trust: The “Not Secure” message in Google Chrome can lower trust in your website and business.
- Search Engine Rankings: Google also like to see SSL installed on a website and this can affect their decision of how to rank your site for various keywords in their search engine results pages.
- Security: Any logins or other data capture points on your website will be more secure
- Privacy: SSL can stop internet service providers and other people (wifi hotspot providers etc) from seeing which pages you visit on sites. With SSL enabled they can still see which domain you visited but not the actual page.
How Do I Get SSL For My Website?
If you are using our web design for counsellors package, SSL is already included!
SSL certificates can be supplied by your hosting provider or a third party. Some hosting providers are still charging a yearly fee for SSL certificates. Many hosting packages (including our green web hosting) now offering Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates free of charge.
Your non-SSL website will need redirecting to the SSL version (source) and Google Analytics and Search Console updating for the new website address – we can help with the redirects and Google setup.
If your website hosting is coming around for renewal, now could be a good time to switch to our fast, UK based website hosting with free SSL.
Summary
In this article we’ve described what the “not secure” message means in Google Chrome, why SSL is a good thing for your business and how to get your website running with SSL.