Google Chrome Update Impacts Websites Without SSL

Over the last couple of years Google has been encouraging website owners to run their websites over SSL (Secure Socket Layer) which encrypts information sent between the browser and the server. If you are on a site with an SSL certificate you will notice a green lock in the address bar. Previously SSL certificates have been most commonly found on websites with online ordering and transactions or where sensitive information is collected.

Starting in October, Google will begin showing a "Not Secure" sign in the address bar of website pages without SSL that house an input field such as a search box or contact form fields. This notification will only occur if someone types in the input field, however, if someone searches using an incognito window (which allows one to browse without having the information associated to their account) they will automatically see the "Not Secure" display in their address bar on any page with a form field regardless of whether or not they type in it. This change only impacts visitors to your website utilizing the Chrome Browser but other browsers may implement similar features down the road.

Below is an example of what the address bar will display when a user inputs text in a search box on a site without an SSL certificate. To find out more visit the Chromium blog titled "Next steps toward more connection security".

With this latest change, along with the security and SEO benefits Triple I is recommending websites run over SSL. To find out more about SSL pricing and options please visit our website hosting page.