Starting in October 2017, the Chrome browser (the largest browser currently in use worldwide with over 60% share) will show a “NOT SECURE” warning when users enter text in a form on a web page that is not secure. This could drive off potential customers when they reach a form on your page, even if it is a “contact us” form. Also, any of your visitors that are using “Incognito”in their Chrome browser, will see the warning on EVERY page of your website.
Details on Incognito can be found here.
Example of browser notification.
This warning will start to show up gradually throughout the next month and is expected to affect all non-secure pages whether or not there is a form on them by early next year.
To make a website secure, you will have to contact your ISP to get an SSL Certificate, many times these are free or at a nominal charge. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer digital certificate that proves the correct identity of a website and further encrypts the website’s information.
After you receive the certificate, you or your developer will have to make changes to your website to take advantage of the certificate.
Basically, if your website can be found at:
http://www.example.com
It will soon have to be found at:
https://www.example.com
Notice the “s” at the end of http? That is what tells the browser that your site is secure. Your visitors will see this next to the url address:
Notice the green lock and “Secure” text? Compare that to the first image above that either has an information graphic or has both an information graphic and the words “Not secure”. You can see how this could affect your website.
Here is an official Google explanation of the situation
If you do not currently have a developer that can help you migrate your website to make it secure, we can help. Contact Stormy at 707-490-4542 or stormy@net101.com for details.
