How to Prepare for Google’s Upcoming Security Update: Do You Need an SSL Certificate Immediately?
Have you installed an SSL certificate on your website yet? If you don’t already have one, then you may need to.
Google recently rolled out an update to the Chrome browser software. The update affects everyone using the popular browser.
Essentially, the update works like this:
If you’re a small or medium-sized business in America, or if you operate any type of website, then you need to add an SSL certificate to your website immediately.
Starting in July 2018, every website without an SSL certificate now has a “Not Secure” message before the URL in the Chrome address bar.
If you don’t have an SSL certificate, then your URL will be preceded in the Chrome address bar by a noticeable “Not Secure” warning. Website visitors will see this. Your customers will see this. Everyone who visits your website will see this until you install an SSL certificate.
For all of these reasons and more, it’s imperative that you install an SSL certificate ASAP.
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL certificates are third-party verification tools that encrypt information sent from the user to the server. They verify the identity of the website while ensuring all information sent from the user to the website is encrypted.
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer.
Why is Google Requiring SSL Certificates?
SSL certificates make the internet more secure. They prevent your data from being leaked when you’re using Wi-Fi in a public coffee shop, for example. They also help users verify that the website they’re on is legitimate. You can ensure that your bank’s website is your real bank’s website, for example.
Google has been pushing for greater adoption of SSL certificates for years. This latest effort, however, is Google’s strongest attempt yet.
Google’s push for SSL certificates began in 2014, when they modified their algorithm to reward sites that use SSLs. A site with an SSL certificate would appear higher in search engine rankings than a site without an SSL certificate, all other things being equal. Starting in 2014, a website has been able to boost their search rankings simply by adding an SSL certificate.
Do You Need an SSL Certificate?
If you don’t have an SSL certificate, then your website is not performing as well as it could be performing.
If you don’t have an SSL certificate, then your search rankings are lower than they could be, for example. Adding an SSL certificate may help you jump past competitors in results pages.
Adding an SSL certificate will also help enhance your trust in the eyes of customers. A customer is less likely to enter their personal information into a website, for example, when they see a “Not Secure” sticker at the top of the page.
So no: you don’t strictly need an SSL certificate. It’s not legally required. However, the vast majority of businesses and website owners will decide an SSL certificate is worth the price. It’s a small expense that leads to big benefits.
Is My Site Secure?
Before you start worrying about SSL certificates, take a few seconds to check if you already have one.
Many modern websites – especially websites that accept user information or payment data – will already have an SSL certificate. All e-commerce websites, for example, should have SSL certificates installed.
Here’s how to check if you already have an SSL certificate:
Step 1) Type your URL into your browser and press enter
Step 2) If https:// is the first thing you see at the front of your website, then you have an SSL certificate installed.
While most e-commerce websites already have SSL certificates, informational websites have never really needed them. Users aren’t sending data to the website, and the website doesn’t need to verify its identity.
However, moving forward, it’s a good idea for these websites – and all websites – to install SSL certificates.
How Do I Install an SSL Certificate?
Installing an SSL certificate is simply the best move for your website and your business.
An SSL certificate costs around $75 and requires annual renewal and verification. It’s a small price to pay for the higher search rankings and enhanced trust of customers. For a few dollars per month, you can raise your search rankings and avoid negative brand perception.
Installing an SSL certificate is straightforward. Just contact your domain registrar – like GoDaddy – and request an SSL certificate. It will be added to your account.
Let Us Handle your SSL Certificate Needs
Let us assess your SSL certificate needs. We can determine whether you need an SSL certificate, then install an SSL certificate on your website at a competitive price. Order your SSL certificate today and our web security experts can get started immediately.
