Arts Assistance

  • About
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Testimonials
    • Resources
  • Services
    • Website Inquiry Form
    • Design Evaluation
    • Security Maintenance Package
    • Our Process
    • Q and A – Are We Right For You?
  • Portfolio
  • Blog
  • Contact

Did You Know Google Has a New 2017 Website Requirement?

January 13, 2017 by Nancy Seeger

Yes, and this requirement is a doozy! Everyone will know if you are caught with your pants down! So to spare your blushes, be smarter than your small business competition, and upgrade your website pronto so it is secure!

You also don’t have much time. Google’s new red yield sign showing your website is “Not secure” shows up with their next Chrome release version 56 (currently on 55 right now).

What is HTTPS or an SSL Certificate?

It’s the little lockbox you see in the browser URL bar (see an example further down the page.)

Google Not Secure Chrome Warning

(Image from Google security blog)

Sometimes Google can be a bit pushy in doing what it feels is best for us. It may be overkill, but Google wants all websites to ideally be secure whether you are collecting information or not.

Starting in 2017, Google Chrome, version 56, will start showing a warning in red if your website is not secured via HTTPS (the cute little green lockbox in the URL browser bar).

Here is the official announcement:

Even if all you are collecting for information is in a contact form, it doesn’t matter. A warning will display indicating your website is “not secure.”

The difference with a URL being secure or not:

  • Not secure = http://www.yourwebsite.com
  • Secure = https://www.yourwebsite.com

HTTPS Lockbox Example

So https – good, http – bad.

But don’t despair, you can convert your existing website to use HTTPS instead of HTTP and have your webhost install an SSL Certificate. I highly recommend you hire a web developer/designer for converting your site to HTTPS because it’s technical. It takes anywhere from 2-4 hours unless your website is fairly large with a lot of functionality.

The webhost (where your website is physically located) is probably the easiest way to get an SSL Certificate. This is also needed for secure websites, usually for $50. If you have one of the hip webhost vendors, they offer “Let’s Encrypt” certificates for free.

Make this one of your top priorities. Google decided we all needed a little “push” and Chrome version 56 is coming, ready or not.

Is your website https/SSL ready?

Get our free checklist of the 5 Things Your Website Needs for 2017!

[mc4wp_form id=”2458″]

Related Posts

  • Convert Your Website to HTTPS with This Easy Checklist
    Green lock box

    Not sure what HTTPS is and why it is important for your business? There are…

  • Website Security Quiz - Are You Naughty or Nice?
    Kid licking a cake

    It's time to rate yourself on how well you are keeping your business asset, your…

  • Resources for Learning How to Use WordPress
    Resources for Learning WordPress

    I just finished attending a conference yesterday and there were several new business owners in…

Filed Under: 2017 Website Readiness, WordPress security

Get Website Insider Tips

Comments

  1. Jay Daniells says

    January 13, 2017 at 10:56 pm

    Thanks heaps for this info! I hadn’t kept up with what Googles next move regarding SSL was.
    I have shared your blog article with others now too via email.

    • Nancy Seeger says

      January 16, 2017 at 1:39 pm

      Glad to hear it is helpful Jay, thanks for commenting!

Recent Posts

  • Hidden Trap – Critical Quick Step To Protect Your Website Domain
  • Why People Never See Your Slow Website
  • Convert Your Website to HTTPS with This Easy Checklist
  • Did You Know Google Has a New 2017 Website Requirement?

Testimonials

"...We have been working with Nancy Seeger and Arts Assistance for a number of years. In all that time, we have found her to be extremely professional, highly skilled and knowledgeable, very responsive and a joy to work with...." [ Read More ]

"Thank you for your hard work in bringing our latest website to life. We’ve done three web properties together, and they keep getting better and better!..." [ Read More ]

Latest Posts

  • Hidden Trap – Critical Quick Step To Protect Your Website Domain
  • Why People Never See Your Slow Website
  • Convert Your Website to HTTPS with This Easy Checklist
  • Did You Know Google Has a New 2017 Website Requirement?
  • Do You Need a Website With So Much Social Media?

Receive Website Tips

FacebookLinkedInTwitter

Copyright © 2021 · Arts Assistance · Website Design Services in Fairfax, VA · Privacy Policy · Contact Us

We use cookies to ensure the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. OK