The real answer is: it depends. However, after Google’s recent announcements about marking your website as insecure if you don’t have an SSL certificate it should be a good idea to get one. Here’s why:
For a long time, Google has been looking for ways to encourage website owners to implement SSL certificates. Google is now moving from a reward system to a punitive one, being that since the release of their latest browser update, Chrome 62, websites with any kind of text input, even a regular contact form, will require an SSL certificate if they want to avoid a “Not Secure” warning in the address bar.
This tendency started with earlier versions of Chrome, but 62 is the strongest one so far and it was released during October, 2017. Keep in mind that Chrome is the most popular browser at the moment.
What is an SSL certificate after all?
An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is what establishes an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. It basically ensures that information passed between the web server and browsers remain private.
SSL certificates contain the follwoing information:
– Name of the holder
– Serial number
– Expiration date
– Copy of the holder’s public key
– Digital Signature of the certificate issuer
Who needs an SSL certificate?
Up until this point, an SSL certificate was mainly needed by websites that request sensitive personal information or financial information, such as bank websites, E-Commerce websites, medical sites where personal information is shared, etc.
However, after Google’s announcement it would be a great idea for any website owner to get an SSL certificate, even if it’s just an informational website. Not only it will make your site more secure, but it will keep Google from flagging it and thus your visitors will feel safe and won’t be alarmed by Google Chrome’s insecure website notice.
An SSL certificate also helps to build trust and brand power and it can also give you an organic SEO boost, as it became a confirmed ranking signal in 2014 and Google is blacklisting non-HTTPS websites that allow password fields and credit card forms to be filled.
How can I get one?
If you are hosting your website through us, give us a call at (954) 564-3300 or E-mail us today and we will get you the right SSL certificate, as well as, make the necessary changes on your website to make the SSL work correctly and update any links to the new HTTPS prefix. If you are not hosting with us, you would need to buy an SSL from your current hosting provider and have them install it. We can then help you to implement it on your website.
Act now to prevent visitors from seeing that your website is “insecure.”
