HTTPS Now Essential

Browsers to warn users that connections are not secure if you continue to use the unencrypted HTTP protocol on your website.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the main players in the Internet world want every web page to be more secured. There have been many instances of hacks and data breeches lately that it only makes sense business owners and SEOs should take a vested interest in this issue.

Starting in October 2017, Chrome will show a “NOT SECURE” warning when users enter text in a form on an HTTP page, and for all HTTP pages in Incognito mode. And with Chrome now being the most popular web browser of all, accounting for 55% of all users, HTTPS can no longer be ignored.

What is HTTPS, and why does it matter to me?

HTTPS uses encryptions to make your website more secure for your users by scrambling the information they enter into your forms so that a hacker cannot intercept it. Without HTTPS, every form on your website, including contact forms, RFQ forms, event registrations and more, will come with a warning to users that your website is not secure.

Does My Site Need HTTPS?

Yes! Your website needs HTTPS.  Previously, HTTPS (or an SSL) was only required if you sold products online. But now, HTTPS is a MUST for all websites. It is the future of the web and will protect your website, give you an SEO boost, and provide your users peace of mind.

Google is indexing HTTPS websites before HTTP websites

If your website’s internal navigation references the HTTP URLs, Google will try to see if the same pages work on HTTPS. If they do, Google will index the HTTPS version and show those pages in the search results.

According to Google’s migration guide, websites that are secured with the HTTPS include three specific layers of additional security:

1. Encryption. Data exchanged between the website, and the user gets encoded in such a way that only your website can decode the information.   That means that while the user is browsing your site, nobody can “listen” to their conversations, track their activities across multiple pages, or steal their information.
2. Data integrity. Data cannot be modified or corrupted during transfer, intentionally or otherwise, without being detected.
3. Authentication. Proves that your users communicate with the intended website. It protects against man-in-the-middle attacks and builds user trust, which translates into other business benefits.

If you do make the switch, a little lock icon will appear on your website in the browser bar in Chrome and Firefox. If a website is unsecured, you won’t have the icon, and some users will get alerts about the safety of the website on certain types of pages.

Google has announced HTTPS as a ranking signal

According to Google, if you add an SSL key certificate on your website, it will give you a minor ranking boost. As of right now, it is a minimal increase, but Google has publically said they may choose to strengthen the signal. They recognize and want to reward website owners who opt to secure their websites specifically by switching from HTTP to HTTPS to help keep everyone safe on the web.

You should not be concerned with the switch

If you take the proper steps, in the right order, there should be no problem with the transition. It is important to come up with a plan to ensure traffic will not suffer. We’ve put together a checklist with steps for pre-migration, during-migration, and after-migration that will lead you through the process.

The biggest concern about making the switch is doing it too quickly and without proper planning. If you have questions on the process, our team of specialists is here to assist you.

Make The Switch.

Ready to migrate your website to HTTPS? (Don’t worry, we will make it pain-free). Fill out this form to download our checklist and a Top Floor representative will be in touch with you to get started.