Encrypt or Die: Why Google Chrome Listing Your HTTP Site as Unsecure Is a Disaster

If you’re still using an unencrypted HTTP site rather than an HTTPS, we’ve got some bad news. Google Chrome will now alert visitors via the URL bar that your site is “not secure.”

In other words, if you don’t want to lose visitors, you might want to think about encrypting. Here’s what you need to know.

HTTP vs. HTTPS: what’s the big deal?

HTTP and HTTPS are essentially the same, with one important difference: HTTPS is encrypted. The “S” stands for “secure.”

HTTPS sites encrypt all the communication between a visitor and a site, which means the visitor’s information and browsing history remains private. HTTPS also ensures the integrity of a site, eliminating pop-ups from hackers posing as legitimate webpages.

What does it mean for your site to be unsecure?

When a site isn’t encrypted, the information visitors enter on the site can potentially be stolen. In some cases, hackers will create a pop-up window posing as part of the website a visitor is browsing, and prompt the visitor to enter sensitive information like their credit card number or password.

HTTP sites also constitute a threat to privacy in that the internet provider can see a visitor’s browsing history—meaning hackers can also see it.

What does this mean for you?

With Google doubling down on site security, you can expect to lose visitors if you’re still using an unencrypted HTTP site. Google will give a clear warning that the connection on your site isn’t private and any information a visitor enters could be stolen. For many web users, that’s an obvious dealbreaker.

But Google’s new security push doesn’t have to mean the end of your site. While encryption used to be difficult to achieve, it’s fairly straightforward these days—especially if you get a little help from the experts.

Guaranteeing your visitors’ privacy and safety should be high on your priority list if you want to keep up with the competition and get your business noticed online. eMazzanti can guide you through the encryption process and give your site solid security for an HTTPS status. To get started, contact us today.