Chrome is taking steps towards a more secure web by attempting to convince websites to adopt HTTPS encryption by marking HTTP pages as 'not secure' starting July 2018. These changes will be enforced with the release of Chrome 68.
Currently, HTTPS websites display a green ‘secure’ and lock icon in the URL bar that once clicked notifies you that any information and passwords you enter on the site are secure.
Alternatively, if you enter a HTTP site this ‘secure’ notification will be absent, and when you click the information icon a pop up will display that says: ‘your connection to this site is not secure’ and warns users against entering private information.
Now, starting July 2018 with the release of Chrome 68, Google Chrome is looking to actively push websites even more into embracing HTTPS by marking HTTP websites as ‘not secure’ in the URL display to work towards a safer web.
What does HTTPS mean?
HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure and is the secure version of HTTP. HTTP governs how data is transferred between your browser and the website you are browsing. In a HTTPS website, any data that is transferred, including banking details and other personal information, including passwords, is encrypted (hence the ‘secure’), which makes it indecipherable for online hackers and helps keep your details safe.
Chrome announced in their announcement that the newest push towards HTTPS was from encouraging results that an increasing number of websites were adopting HTTPS last year. 81 of the top 100 websites were using HTTPS encryption and over 78% of Chrome traffic on Chrome OS and Mac was reported to be protected. Chrome hopes that actively marking HTTP websites as ‘not secure’ in July 2018 will be the final push required to make all remaining websites convert once and for all and embrace more secure data protection.
How do I ensure that my website is secure?
To become a HTTPS website, you will need an SSL (secure socket layers) certificate. An SSL is a kind of virtual identification card that proves your website is yours and is a paragraph of numbers and letters individual to your site. The SSL certificate will ensure that all data flowing through your site is encrypted and therefore protected.
Acquiring an SSL certificate will require your site to have its own dedicated IP address. We can host your website for you and assist you with acquiring your own SSL certificate and integrating it seamlessly into your site.
In the wake of the GDPR deadline, online data security has become more important than ever before. Do you require assistance with data protection on your website, or converting to HTTPS? We can help! Get in touch today on 01202 684400 for a no obligation chat about how we can help your business move forward.
