When you use a web browser to vist a website, you will probably be using HTTP. HTTP (or HyperText Transfer Protocol) is a protocol that allows communication between different systems. Most commonly, it is used for transferring data from a web server to a browser to view web pages.
The problem is that HTTP (notice there is no “s” on the end) data is not encrypted, and it can be intercepted by third parties to gather data being passed between the two systems. What this means is that if you are on an open network (like the local coffee shop), it is possible for someone to intercept the connection between you and the site you are visiting. The data can be modified without you knowing it.
This can be corrected by using a secure version called HTTPS, where the “S” stands for secure.
“You should always protect all of your websites with HTTPS, even if they don’t handle sensitive communications. Aside from providing critical security and data integrity for both your websites and your users’ personal information, HTTPS is a requirement for many new browser features”
This quote came directly from Google. THere are several reasons why you need to use https: on your website instead of just using http:
Google has announced that HTTPS is a ranking signal and that if you aren’t using it, your ranking in the search engine could drop down.
So, the question becomes… Is your website working with http and costing you traffic and $$, or is it secure with https?
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The good thing is that reliable web site hosting firms are ready, willing, and able to work with their customers to convert to an https site- for free!
Many hosting companies will provide and install the SSL cert for free, however, in many cases, you need to modify some of the code on the site in order to utilize the cert. There are some band-aid solutions (like installing a plugin to mask some issues) or it can be done properly.
I was just on another site that Google tried to block me from going to saying it wasn’t safe, is this what will happen if you don’t have the added security?
No… That is even worse! That means that there is a chance that the site is infected with Malware or something else. Another possibility is that the SSL Cert on it was either expired or wrong! If you want to email me the site URL I will take a look and let you know, Lori.
Very good info. I have made a habit to always check for the “s” when I’m doing anything with my personal things. Thanks for informing us and providing a solution as well.
You are welcome! And it is even more important to have one even if you are not selling anything as it will help with your Search Engine Results!
This is always good to know, thank-you for this information as I don’t have my own domain, yet. I am hoping to be ready for it by next year. I want to build content and followers first.
Brenda – you are in luck then! LOL! The BEST way to build a site with a SSL Cert is from the beginning! Make sure you get the cert and build the site with it in mind. That way you won’t need to ‘retrofit’ your site. When looking for hosting, find a company that will provide you with a cert for free. I recommend you Get Your Hosting Here.
Do you know what the cost is for this Paul? I didn’t click on the link yet.
Thanks for the info.
There are several factors, Martha. One of them is the hosting company you are using. Some hosting companies will offer the SSL Cert for free while others charge $50-75 for a basic certificate. After that, there are several steps required to have your site utilize it. Overall, it is usually a one time cost of around $150 unless there are some unconventional programming on a site.
My WebHost made me transfer all of my sites to https a few months ago at no additional cost to me. However, one of my friends’ host wanted 1K. She was floored by this amount. I understand that it’s more important than ever for us to protect our sites and the information from our visitors. Just sad, that some people are being taken advantage of, so I’m happy that you are willing to help. 🙂
Is it possible that the hosting company was going to use an all-encompassing SSL Certificate on the site – one that is “Super” as opposed to a simple one for a single site? Not all certificates are alike. Some provide more assurance than others.
Some hosting companies will offer the SSL Cert for free while others charge $50-75 for the basic cert.
This is a strong reminder to me. I need to get a https certificate for my website. It’s a must have I have today’s cyber climate. Thank you for sharing this.
Dave
Don’t forget that you will need to make changes to your website as well. Just getting the SSL Certificate is not enough.