Why Does My Website Say 'Not Secure' at the Top?
Google Chrome is now labelling all websites that don't have an SSL certificate as Not Secure.
in Blogosphere by Paul
Suddenly people are asking "Why does my website say not secure?" - It's because of the latest Google Chrome browser update. It's quite possible other browsers will follow suit, but at the moment it's just the latest version of Chrome.
Google wants ALL website traffic to be encrypted, so they are pushing for it by using their Chrome browser to point out the websites that aren't running on a domain with an SSL certificate.
What's an SSL Certificate?
It's an important security thing you purchase for your domain name that encrypts the data between your website and anybody using it. Pretty important stuff, it will remove the Chrome notice and change your full web address from http://yourdomain.com to https://yourdomain.com. Yes, it will change your URL's when you get one.
So buying an SSL certificate for your domain name will remove the notice, but there are other good reasons to get an SSL certificate..
1. Search Engine Results.
Back in 2014 Google announced they would prioritise secure websites in the search results, so they're probably a ways down that road now. If you care at all about your search results it's another reason to get an SSL certificate.
2. User Confidence
Nothing is more important when it comes to generating enquiries than user confidence. Nothing. And having 'Not Secure' waved in your visitors faces is NOT going to help.
3. Professionalism
Instantly shows you are serious about how you conduct yourself on the internet. Sounds mildly dramatic, but it's a fact, and potential customers notice these things, even if it's subconsciously.
4. Data Protection and GDPR
An SSL certificate gives you the confidence that you are protecting your users/customers data when they interact with you on your website. Gives them the confidence too of course.
So all things considered it really is a good idea to get one whether other browsers follow suit or not. We can arrange and install them, just give us a call.
A Note About Re-Directs
Because your URLs will change, it's important to make sure accurate permanent re-directs are in place so as not to damage any search rankings. This is usually done with a .htaccess file but some websites may have unique configuration options that need changing. So adding an SSL certificate isn't exactly 'plug-and-play', but it's just about the best thing ever for your website!
