Google Chrome to flag all sites without SSL certificate

If you’re site doesn’t have an SSL certificate, now’s the time to get one and secure yourself up.

From July 1 Google’s Chrome browser will brand all HTTP sites that do not have an SSL certificate as “not secure”.

This is great news for online consumers and a timely warning for business owners.

Safe as…well, safe as a lock and key

An SSL, or Secure Socket Layer, certificate keeps private information private and is indicated by the comforting padlock you see when you visit a website.

There’s something so reassuring about a padlock. They’re so sturdy and strong.

A green padlock is even better. It’s your virtual “green light” to trust a business with your personal details, like credit card details, home address and more. A red padlock indicates a break in the site’s security or an unauthenticated site.

If an online customer is faced with two sites, one with a prominent “not secure” message in its URL bar and one with a padlock symbol, it’s obvious which one they will choose.

If you’re a business owner, combine Google’s crackdown with the fact that more than 48% of Australian computers use Chrome and it makes sense to get an SSL certificate for your site. Right now. Today.

WHY AN SSL CERTIFICATE IS LIKE A CIRCLE OF TRUST

When you connect to a website you open a line of communication between your browser and the server that hosts the site.

SSL certificates are like a guard that patrols the line of communication and stop any sneaks dipping in and stealing your personal details.

• A good SSL encrypts, or scrambles, your personal information.
• Importantly, an SSL also authenticates the identity of the certificate’s holder – it’s a bit like the Burns’ family circle of trust.
• The SSL makes sure the circle of trust is complete before allowing the server to unscramble the information using a special “key”.

Remember, you can’t establish the business holy trinity of “know, like and trust” if you don’t have the trust.

WHAT SORT OF SSL DO I NEED?

There are lots of companies that issue rock-solid SSL certificates. They come in three main levels and range in price – the most basic can be free.

• DV SSL: Domain Validation verifies that you own the domain and are perfect for personal sites, blogs and social media.
• OV SSL: Organisation Validation provides instant identity confirmation and strong SSL protection for your website and your business.
• EV SSL: Extended Validation offers the highest level of validation and trust and will show the name of the company or organisation in green in the address bar.

A Wildcard SSL Certificate is the best bet for businesses that host or manage multiple sites or pages on the same domain. A Wildcard SSL allows you to secure an unlimited number of subdomains on a single certificate. The one-time cost of the certificate covers you for any future additional subdomains.

UNSURE ABOUT WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU?

Online Influence is a Google Partner. All our hosted sites will be ready ahead of the changes. If you’d like advice on what kind of SSL certificate is right for you, contact us today.

Check it this blog post for more information about Online Privacy.