Google Chrome will begin flagging non-HTTPS sites as “insecure” in July
Google sets deadline for webmasters to update their sites to HTTPS before Chrome starts identifying them as 'insecure'
If you've been putting off updating to the more secure HTTPS, then you've got until July to sort it out.
Google has announced that its Chrome web browser - used by about 50% of internet users worldwide - will start identifying 'insecure' HTTP pages to all users, which is likely to increase bounce rates and reduce conversion rates.
The move will coincide with the July launch of Chrome 68, and any HTTP pages will look like this:
This prominent warning will be shown in address bar of Chrome (known as the Omnibox), indicating that the HTTP website is "Not secure".
Google have been stressing the importance of a more secure internet experience, and encouraging webmasters and developers to adopt HTTPS for some time - and have shared some impressive statistics about the take-up of HTTPS:
- Over 68% of Chrome traffic on both Android and Windows is now protected
- Over 78% of Chrome traffic on both Chrome OS and Mac is now protected
- 81 of the top 100 sites on the web use HTTPS by default
So, if you haven't already now would seem a good time to start thinking about how to move your site(s) to HTTPS.
Luckily, there are quite a few free services to help you migrate to HTTPS with little disruption.
Best free HTTPS services
- Let's Encrypt - Free SSL/TLS Certificates
- SSL For Free - Free SSL Certificates in minutes
- Comodo - Free SSL Certificates
How to migrate to HTTPS
If the thought of having to move your site over to HTTPS is starting to give you cold sweats, then don't fear. There are plenty of very good guides out there to help you through the process step-by-step.
We've collated the best HTTPS guides together below:
- Complete Guide – How to Migrate from HTTP to HTTPS - KeyCDN.com
- HTTP to HTTPS: An SEO’s guide to securing a website - SearchEngineLand.com
- HTTP to HTTPS Migration: The Ultimate Stress-Free Guide - SearchEngineJournal.com
- Migrating to HTTPs – A step by Step SEO guide - OnCrawl.com
About the Author
Luke Glassford is an SEO expert with over 15 years’ experience.
During his time working in SEO, Luke has set-up an SEO agency, worked as an in-house SEO for a major national company and managed his own successful SEO consultancy - using a lot of different SEO tools along the way!