HTTP to HTTPS: What Can We Expect from this Massive Google Update?
From July 2018 onward, all sites that do not use the HTTPS encryption will automatically be flagged by Google’s Chrome browser. According to reports, this is in line with the launch of Chrome 68, which at the moment is the most recent edition of Google Chrome. In this update, all HTTP sites will get a “not secure” marking and this will be prominently visible in its URL bar.
At present, Chrome displays a neutral information icon. However, with version 68, users will get warnings with an extra notification in the address bar. Google announced that this was due mainly to the increased HTTPS adoption, with more than 81 of the top 100 sites on the web defaulted to HTTPS. Furthermore, a large majority of Chrome traffic is already encrypted, making it more challenging for hackers to intrude upon.
HTTP to HTTPS – Final Reminder from Google
Over the last few years, Google has already been alerting users, but this is the final reminder before they enforce a warning sign on those HTTP websites. The reason for this is because HTTPS encryption will protect the channel between the website you are visiting and your browser. This would help ensure no one can tamper with the traffic or spy on what users are doing.
Without encryption, it is possible for a third party to gain access to your router or ISP. Also, potential attackers could intercept information or worse, inject some malware. With projects like Let’s Encrypt and others, it is very easy to enable HTTPS for almost every site – giving site almost no excuse as to why you should not make the move. By doing so, you can establish trust with your target users who could potentially be looking for content that you have on your website. Such a case heavily applies especially to those who monetize via their websites, like online retailers, bloggers, service providers, and more.
In fact, even now with the latest Node CLI version of Lighthouse, there are mixed content audits available to help with the migration. This new audit in Lighthouse, developers can easily locate which resources site loads using HTTP, and which of those are ready to be upgraded to HTTPS. This can happen by changing the sub-resource reference to the HTTPS version.
Conclusion
Overall, according to reports, HTTPS is now much easier and cheaper than ever before. In fact, it unlocks both performance improvements and powerful new features that are too sensitive for HTTP. However, one has to remember that the process of enabling HTTPS for existing sites may not trivial at first. There are chances some webmasters and developers may opt to keep things running as they are. This is despite the warnings that Chrome will soon show its visitors. It may take time before this slow adoption goes into full swing.
Thankfully, Chrome has been innovating ways to make browsing more seamless for its users. Also, there are various Certificate Authorities out there that are providing services by installing SSL Certificates. These are basically a digital certificate that will enable website owners to upgrade from HTTP to HTTPS in a very convenient manner. The best part about this is that users can get access to these certificates regardless of whether they are adept in technology or not.
Essentially, to adapt to this big update from HTTP to HTTPS, you need to buy HTTPS certificates. Contact us to know more about SSL Certificates. You can also give us a call if you have some queries regarding SSL, digital security, or anything related to IT. At IT Solution, we have the most experienced team of specialists who will cater to your SSL needs.
