Google Warning Website Owners to use
SSL Security Certificates
May 15, 2017
As of January 2017, Google Chrome has followed other browsers in displaying an ‘insecure connection’ warning when entering sensitive information in to websites without an SSL Certificate installed.
Why the Change?
Experts have been warning for some time now that Google is aggressively encouraging website owners to transition to using SSL security certificates in order to protect personal information.
This new warning is the latest in a line of measures that Google has implemented in its objective to provide a more secure website experience for its users.
Previously this warning was limited to the address bar.
The warning now also appears when entering sensitive information in to form fields.
Does my Website NEED an SSL Certificate?
Security warnings can create mistrust, negatively impact your credibility and make potential clients or customers think twice about contacting you.
Currently SSL Certificates are not mandatory for all websites, however experts warn that it is only a matter of time before this becomes a compulsory requirement by Google and other Search Engines in order to appear in search results. Google is encouraging website owners to make the switch sooner rather than later.
Secure My Site
20% OFF
ON THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SSL CERTIFICATES.*
PRICE BEFORE DISCOUNT: $180 +GST PER YEAR
*Offer ends June 30th 2017
What is SSL? What you Need to Know:
1) What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL is an encryption technology that keeps private information submitted to a website secure by encrypting it and only allowing access to the website owner. SSL is critical for protecting both your website and its visitors’ sensitive information – even if your website does not handle monetary information such as credit card details.
Having an SSL certificate provides trust in your website by informing visitors that their connection is secure.
Authentication:
In addition to sensitive information encryption, SSL Certificates also provide authentication to the website visitor assuring them that their information is being transmitted to the correct website server. This authentication is extremely valuable for preventing copy-cat websites from tricking your visitors into believing they are viewing your website in order to gather private information.
2) How do I know if a website has an SSL Certificate?
If a website has a certified SSL encryption the website’s url will have an S at the end of it’s http and, on most browsers, a little green lock icon will be visible.
3) How long does a SSL Certificate last?
An SSL Certification service that can last from 90 days up to 3 years before it expires and a renewal is required. This renewal period is dependent on what SSL Certificate brand you purchase (and from what provider), the type of SSL Certificate chosen and the customer’s preference.
An SSL Certificate purchased through Shared Marketing can be purchased for a 1 or 2 years renewal period.
4) What does ‘Broswer Recognition Mean’?
When a user visits a website that has a SSL Certificate installed, the browser that is being used (ie: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge / Internet Explorer, Apple Safari etc) checks to make sure that the SSL Certificate is valid and trusted – this is referred to as ‘Browser Recognition’.
Not all SSL Certificates are created equal and so certificates that are not trusted or cannot be validated by the browser will trigger a security warning that is displayed to the user. It is very important to choose SSL Certificates from established and trusted issuers to ensure that your website is secure and trusted by all website browsers.
What can be done?
We understand how frustrating major changes in web standards like this can be . In order to assist our clients in this transition, we are providing a 20% discount on the installation of SSL certificates.*
*Offer ends June 30th, 2017
