Google’s New SSL Certificate Requirement & How It Will Impact Your Business
Starting July 2018, Google’s Chrome browser will flag all non-SSL websites as “not secure”.
Why, you ask?
As always, Google works hard to ensure its users feel safe and secure on the Internet. If your site does not have a valid SSL Certificate, Google reported that it would enforce the new requirement by publicly flagging your site as “not secure”.
By doing this, your visitors will be warned that your website is unsafe – stating that their connection is not private and that there is a possibility that someone may try to steal their information.
To move past this warning, users will have to give consent to visit your website. The likelihood that your audience will go elsewhere is significant and we want to help you avoid losing valuable business.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL Certificate is the standard protection protocol for all websites visited.
Often referred to as the “online passport”, an SSL Certificate contains the following information:
- Name of the holder
- Serial number and expiration date
- Copy of the certificate holder’s public key
- Digital Signature of the certificate-issuing authority
Note: Google no longer trusts any Symantec-issued SSL/TLS certifications.
How does it work?
By installing the SSL text file of encrypted data on your server, it protects all private and personal information traveling between your site and your users.
When an SSL Certificate is properly installed on your server, visitors will be reassured by seeing visuals like the lock icon and green address bar. This indicates that you’re using a trusted encryption tool.
When should you install an SSL Certificate?
If your website is still operating as HTTPor accepts any kind of text input, you will require an SSL Certificate. This includes text inputs such as login panels, search bars, contact forms, and more.
Why is an SSL Certificate important?
There are many reasons why an SSL Certificate is extremely important for protecting your business.
- Protects sensitive information
An SSL Certificate ensures that the information passed from computer to computer is encrypted. This means that any unprivileged computer trying to access your information (including credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, and more) will be unable to read it.
2. Protects you from cyber criminals & online hackers
Cyber criminals and online hackers are clever. They’re extra talented at identifying weak points in your network, especially capturing information and data when it is being transmitted between servers. An SSL Certificate will protect integral information while it moves between destinations.
- Build credibility and trust with your customers
By using an SSL Certificate, your customers will feel confident that their information is traveling safely. It is important to create safe and satisfying experiences for your customers! Don’t run the risk of losing valuable business.
What does this mean for you?
This is something you can’t ignore! No matter what type of website you run, you will need to ensure a valid SSL Certificate is installed within the next month.
Contact us today to help secure your website with an SSL Certificate.
Resources:
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/02/07/beware_the_coming_chrome_certificate_apocalypse/
https://phoenixnap.com/blog/google-ssl-certificates
https://web123.com.au/googles-ssl-certificate-changes-will-impact-business/