Why You Need an HTTPS Website to do Business in 2018
A Google update for Chrome browsers rolled out in July for all HTTP websites. Google is still looking out for users when browsing and making online purchases from different websites. In July of 2018, Chrome browsers began to show the level of security for websites in order to alert users before they share their credit card information, passwords, and other personal information online.
All HTTP websites now say “Not Secure” in front of the URL. See the example below:
What is HTTPS?
Before learning about HTTPS, we need to understand what HTTP is and what it does. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. Its main purpose is to transfer information from a user’s web browser to the website they visit. This can be very dangerous if an outsider interrupts the connection and is able to see the data being sent to the website.
Switching websites to HTTPS is a solution for data vulnerability
HTTPS protects end users from attackers. HTTPS does the same thing as HTTP with the additional security (hence, the ‘S’ at the end). Two security layers that protect users use a separate protocol called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security). These extra layers encrypt the data, making it almost impossible for third parties to access the personal information that users provide when filling out a form or making an online purchase.
HTTP vs. HTTPS Websites
Users are aware of these risks and might not share any of their personal information on a website that is not secure. It is important for all websites to have this extra level of security for users’ protection and privacy. Business owners should know that it is particularly important for eCommerce websites to have high levels of security to maintain an online shop.
What is your website saying about your business?
Secure — Means the website is protected by an extra layer of security and users are safe to put their information.
The message you are sending to customers: “We are loyal and care about our customer’s security.”
Not Secure — means the website is using HTTP, therefore third parties can get the information that users are entering. People should be cautious when visiting these kinds of websites.
The message you are sending to customers: “We don’t know what we are doing, and/or don’t care about your security, we just want to sell our products.”
Not secure or Dangerous — means that the website has no security, and people should not give out any information.
The message you are sending to customers: “Run for your life! We want you to buy from us, but whatever happens to your personal information is not our problem.”
Most businesses are shifting from HTTP to HTTPS websites in order to stand out in a large pool of competitors and provide their customers with the additional security that they need. Since there are so many levels of security within the HTTPS protocol, website owners must understand which level of security is necessary for them to operate their website properly.
When faced with difficult questions about which level of security is right for your website, Minuteman Longwood is here to support you.
Why You Need an HTTPS Website to do Business in 2018
A Google update for Chrome browsers rolled out in July for all HTTP websites. Google is still looking out for users when browsing and making online purchases from different websites. In July of 2018, Chrome browsers began to show the level of security for websites in order to alert users before they share their credit card information, passwords, and other personal information online.
All HTTP websites now say “Not Secure” in front of the URL. See the example below:
What is HTTPS?
Before learning about HTTPS, we need to understand what HTTP is and what it does. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. Its main purpose is to transfer information from a user’s web browser to the website they visit. This can be very dangerous if an outsider interrupts the connection and is able to see the data being sent to the website.
Switching websites to HTTPS is a solution for data vulnerability
HTTPS protects end users from attackers. HTTPS does the same thing as HTTP with the additional security (hence, the ‘S’ at the end). Two security layers that protect users use a separate protocol called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security). These extra layers encrypt the data, making it almost impossible for third parties to access the personal information that users provide when filling out a form or making an online purchase.
HTTP vs. HTTPS Websites
Users are aware of these risks and might not share any of their personal information on a website that is not secure. It is important for all websites to have this extra level of security for users’ protection and privacy. Business owners should know that it is particularly important for eCommerce websites to have high levels of security to maintain an online shop.
What is your website saying about your business?
Secure — Means the website is protected by an extra layer of security and users are safe to put their information.
The message you are sending to customers: “We are loyal and care about our customer’s security.”
Not Secure — means the website is using HTTP, therefore third parties can get the information that users are entering. People should be cautious when visiting these kinds of websites.
The message you are sending to customers: “We don’t know what we are doing, and/or don’t care about your security, we just want to sell our products.”
Not secure or Dangerous — means that the website has no security, and people should not give out any information.
The message you are sending to customers: “Run for your life! We want you to buy from us, but whatever happens to your personal information is not our problem.”
Most businesses are shifting from HTTP to HTTPS websites in order to stand out in a large pool of competitors and provide their customers with the additional security that they need. Since there are so many levels of security within the HTTPS protocol, website owners must understand which level of security is necessary for them to operate their website properly.
When faced with difficult questions about which level of security is right for your website, Minuteman Longwood is here to support you.
