2017 Update: Google is now marking HTTP sites as not secure.
SSL Update for 2017 READ MORE HERE
Security. Privacy. Two things we all want (and deserve) when using the internet. Enter encryption.
“Encryption is the process of coding messages or information in such a way that only authorized parties can read it.” – Wikipedia
In an effort to make the internet more secure and protect your privacy, the Google Chrome Security team announced it will begin labeling HTTP sites as “not secure”. HTTP sites are unencrypted meaning there is no data security. Starting in 2017, the company will use this labeling on HTTP connections featuring passwords and credit card forms. The first step in the plan to label all HTTP sites is to display a “Not secure” label in the address bar:
Currently Chrome (Chrome 53) displays a green lock icon in the address bar for secure sites (below), while non secure sites feature a red lock.
“Beginning in January 2017 (Chrome 56), we’ll mark HTTP sites that transmit passwords or credit cards as non-secure, as part of a long-term plan to mark all HTTP sites as non-secure,” said Chrome Security Team member Emily Schechter. “When you load a website over HTTP, someone else on the network can look at or modify the site before it gets to you.”
Google, along with initiatives like Let’s Encrypt are really making a push to establish everything that is transmitted online has an extra layer of security, or the S in HTTPS. In addition to the extra security, HTTPS ensures the user is reaching the correct site (not a fake site), boosts SEO, and builds trust between users.
Check out our blog on SSL, security & encryption here:
Reasons to Use SSL on my Website – Let’s Encrypt
P.S. – We offer free SSL certificates at KartHost™, which come standard with all KartHost™ hosting packages!