iT'S TIME TO SECURE YOUR WEBSITE WITH A SSL
Google has announced that beginning October, 2017 they will be marking non-secured sites with a warning symbol and the words 'NOT SECURE'. This is a big deal, but what does it really mean?
What google is doing
Google will be putting this warning on any websites that collect user information. This can range from personal contact information to credit card numbers. If you have as little as a form for the visitor to put in their name and email in for contact purposes, then you need to be secured.
Additionally, anytime your website is visited in incognito mode, the security warning will show up. This is because of incognito mode's implied privacy. So, this means that even if you don't collect any data on your website, users will still be warned if they open it in this mode.
It's impossible to know how the user is visitng your site and other browsers are sure to follow suit quickly, so it is vital to secure your domain by October.
What is ssl?
SSL stands for Secure Lockets Layer and it keeps your website data secure and private.
Purchasing a SSL certificate secures your website domain. Secure domains are marked in ALL browsers and will have HTTPS in front of the URL with a padlock icon.
What SSL Does
SSl encrypts plain text instantly into data that only the user and website can decrypt. This means it makes information such as passwords, credit card numbers, form data and more hidden from potentially dangerous public users.
It ensures your data doesn't change or get tampered with during it's input and transit. It authenticates websites to ensure visitors on a global scale and eliminate phishing; Creating security that increases web visitors trust in you.
trust has never been more important
There are over 1 billion websites and more than 3 billion web users. More than ever before, our livelihood depends on the internet. Users take what they see online very seriously and with an increased fear of threats and attacks in recent years, security is at the forefront for the end user.
Your web presence includes social media, your website, email marketing, ad campaigns, mobile connection and more. When visitors see your a big warning that your site isn’t secure, they run away. Your reputation can be tarnished quickly and spread to all of your connections across the web. It’s too important to be friendly for online visitors as every one is a potential customer, so you need to purchase a SSL.
Benefits of SSL
having a SSL helps you rank higher
Google holds security in high regard among their SEO ranking factors. It’s estimated that 70% of page one results will be HTTPS by the end of 2017.
Keep imposters away
Being secure provides authentication so visitors can trust that the information is coming from you and not an imitator.
Protect your business and brand
Online threats have increased over the years, and that’s a big reason Google is putting this new warning in place. With a SSL, your information is encrypted and secure, helping guard against hackers.
Provide data integrity
Having a secured domain ensures that data on your site hasn’t been altered in transit and tells your customer that.
Eliminate the risks of being unsecure.
If any user visits your site and sees a bright red warning symbol with NOT SECURE next to it, they’ll leave without a glance. Losing traffic, developing a bad reputation while unsecured, and losing the leads and revenue that come with that could be detrimental to your business.