Over the past couple months we have received several emails asking why the most popular web browsers are now displaying a notification that their website is “Not Secure”?
The answer to this question is fairly technical so we’re not going to go into detail here, but if you would like to learn more we encourage you to google, “What is mixed content?”
What is HTTPS?
As a practical matter, we’re referring to whether or not your website runs over an HTTPS connection type, or a non-secure HTTP connection. The “S” in HTTPS stands for “Secure” and it means that the content on your webpages are being encrypted as data travels between your website and a visitor’s web browser.
In the past, it was only necessary for online shopping sites, banks, etc to be secure, but as of late 2019 popular web browsers like Google Chrome began mandating that all sites to be secured. Therefore, if your website is still loading over a non-secure HTTP connection your visitors will be notified by their web browser that your website is not secure. Obviously, a website that is perceived as unsafe will lead to a loss of traffic and, ultimately, a loss of business.
So what can you do to secure your website over HTTPS?
In order to move your website from HTTP to HTTPS you will need something called an SSL certificate. Some web hosts still charge for an SSL certificate, but many now offer this as a free upgrade.
After your SSL certificate is acquired through your web host you will need to apply it to your website through your WordPress admin as well as through the .htaccess file associated with your website.
Getting help
Now, we understand that all of this technical talk can be intimating or overwhelming. So, we’re offering our expertise to help secure your website for $50. Hopefully, your web host is one of the many that offer a free SSL, like SiteGround, Bluehost and WP Engine. If not, you’ll have to buy that too.
To secure your website over HTTPS, please contact us and request our SSL service and get a spot in the queue.
