Google Warns: Secure Your Site By October or Else…
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Google Warns: Secure Your Site By October or Else…
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If you don’t want the Chrome browser scaring your visitors away, here’s what you need to know…
- Pages with Forms: Ensure every page with a form field starts with
https://instead ofhttp://. This encrypts data submitted through your website’s forms. - Google Chrome Warning: Starting October 2017, unauthenticated HTTP pages will display a "NOT SECURE" message to Google Chrome users. Email opt-in forms are affected too.
- Encryption Indicators: A locked padlock and "Secure" in the address bar confirm page encryption.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Please reach out to your host if tech stuff is overwhelming. They often have better suggestions. This post serves as a heads-up more than a tutorial; hosting choices heavily influence steps required.
Email Notification: If you have a Google Webmaster account, an email might have alerted you about unencrypted pages that will show the "NOT SECURE" warning in October.
Encrypting Your Site
- Free AutoSSL: Many high-end hosting plans offer free AutoSSL. Check with your host if they support it (e.g., LiquidWeb - affiliate link).
- Real Simple SSL WordPress Plugin: Install the plugin to redirect HTTP pages to HTTPS quickly.
- Manual Setup: Alternatively, use your
.htaccessfile or contact your host for manual setup. - Validation: Verify SSL functionality at SSL validation tool.
Let’s Encrypt (Free Alternative)
A free SSL certificate option called Let's Encrypt is supported by some hosts (e.g., Website Palace/GoDaddy - requires manual installation). Remember to back up your site and database before making changes.
Why Choose Let’s Encrypt?
It comes down to money, but AutoSSL and Let’s Encrypt are becoming more widely available. Hosting companies prefer selling paid SSL certificates, but free options are viable for many sites.