Chrome NOT SECURE warning on websites

Google has started notifying webmasters (via their Search Console) that starting in October 2017 Chrome (version 62) will show a “NOT SECURE” warning when users enter text in a form on an HTTP page, and for all HTTP pages in Incognito mode. This is in line with their efforts to move everyone towards a more secure web.

Is your website using secure communications with HTTPS/SSL?

What’s the reason for the Chrome “NOT SECURE” warning?

By default, web browsers assume all connections are not secure. Google (and other companies) are trying to change that. They want to encourage secure connections wherever possible and notify you only when the connection is not secure.

Let’s say you meet up with your old friend at your local café for a catch-up session. You start with the usual pleasantries before asking what’s new with them. And before long you’re joking around like you were back in school. You weren’t worried about other people over-hearing you because nothing in your conversation is secret.

At it’s most basic, all communication on the Internet is simply a conversation between two parties (usually a computer or application). And for historical reasons we weren’t concerned about other computers over-hearing our conversation.

But the virtual landscape has changed. More and more of our private data is being passed through these communication channels, data like passwords and credit card details. Naturally we want a certain level of security when we send such sensitive data through Chrome or other web browsers. One way to secure the communication channel is with an SSL Certificate.

If you’ve ever seen the green padlock in your web browser, that’s a sign that there’s an SSL Certificate present and the communication is secure.

Should I be worried if Chrome marks my website as “NOT SECURE”?

In my opinion, this move towards marking websites as “NOT SECURE” will have the largest impact on the Trust between you and your customers.

Think of it this way: imagine going to your favourite website only to have Chrome tell you the website is “NOT SECURE”. How does that affect your perception of your favourite website?

Also, Google has indicated they may rank secure websites over insecure ones.

But my website does not deal in sensitive information!

Maybe not. But do you have a contact form? If you have a way for people to send messages to you through your website, you are asking them to use an insecure connection unless you have an SSL Certificate.

I want to prevent the Chrome “NOT SECURE” warning from appearing on my website

Get in touch with us! Caveena Solutions has installed SSL Certificates for our clients. And we can do the same for your website ☺