Recently Google announced that they will be updating their web browser Chrome in July 2018 which will display the message “Not secure” when accessing a website without an SSL certificate. This is quite a big change as there are a lot of websites that do not use SSL certificates on the web. What actually is an SSL certificate and how will this update from Google affect you? Read on below to find out more.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL Certificates are files that can be installed on your web server, which will then activate the padlock and https on browsers in the top left corner when you access the site. They allow secure connections from a web server to a browser and are normally used on sites that take card transactions, online forms like job applications and login forms. So an SSL basically makes any info entered on a site secure, and encrypts the data when it is going from your browser to the sites server. Some other benefits are that it will potentially increase a sites Google rankings, build trust with your customers and in turn increase conversion rates.
How to check if your site will be affected?
Check if your website address has http at the beginning or https at the beginning. If it is https then you already have an SSL certificate and will not be affected by this update, otherwise your site will be affected by it. If your site does not capture any data and is just a simple information website then there is not much need for an SSL. But if you are capturing data through online forms or login pages then it is advisable to get one.
How can you get an SSL Certificate?
You would need to apply for an SSL certificate which is something your hosting provider will be able to do for you. We also offer SSL certificates and installation so do not hesitate to get in touch for a free no obligation quote here.
