My website is best for ensuring the security of your website is a critical foundation for establishing a robust online presence. Whether your website has a long history or is a recent creation, prioritizing security is crucial, particularly for e-commerce platforms. Any website that handles visitor data, even as basic as login credentials, must prioritize the protection of this information.

In this guide, we will address common concerns and queries about insecure websites. We’ll provide comprehensive guidance on how to strengthen your website’s security definitively. Rest assured, if you’re seeking answers, you’re not alone. Numerous individuals search for solutions each month, aiming to understand why their websites lack security. Continue reading to gain deeper insights into these essential considerations!

What does a “not secure” website mean?

If you’ve ever come across a website, maybe even your own, and noticed a “not secure” warning in the browser’s address bar, it’s natural to feel cautious about entering that site. You might wonder, “What does it mean when a website is ‘not secure?'” or “What information might be at risk?” These are valid concerns, and it’s essential to understand what’s going on when you encounter this warning.

Breaking Down the “Not Secure” Warning

1. HTTP Websites Are Not Secure: Websites using HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) are not secure. This means that any data you input on these websites, such as login credentials or even sensitive information like credit card numbers, could potentially be intercepted, read, or tampered with by malicious hackers. The absence of the “s” in “HTTP” is a red flag.
2. HTTPS Websites Are Secure: In contrast, websites using HTTPS are secure. If a website URL starts with HTTPS, you won’t see the “not secure” warning, and you can browse with confidence, knowing that your personal information is safer. Prominent websites like Google and Amazon use HTTPS to reassure users that their interactions are secure. HTTPS provides encryption to protect your data from prying eyes, ensures data integrity during transfer, and confirms that you’re communicating with the correct website.
3. Google Promotes HTTPS for Security: Google has long advocated for HTTPS over HTTP, but in 2018, they made this stance even more explicit. Google began flagging HTTP sites as “not secure” in the address bar, potentially deterring visitors from unsecured sites.
4. “Not Secure” Doesn’t Mean a Computer Virus: It’s crucial to understand that the “not secure” warning isn’t an indication of a computer virus or malware. It simply means that the website you’re visiting does not provide a secure environment for your data. While it’s a cause for concern, it’s not about your computer’s health.
5. HTTPS Can Impact Search Rankings: Google’s primary goal is to offer users search results that match their queries and provide a safe experience. In pursuit of this, Google considers website security as a ranking factor. If your website doesn’t implement HTTPS, your rankings in search results could suffer. Google aims to direct users to secure and trustworthy websites.

In summary, when you encounter a “not secure” warning, it’s a signal to exercise caution, especially when sharing personal information. Websites with HTTPS are your safer bet, and Google actively promotes secure browsing by factoring it into search rankings. Your computer’s health isn’t at risk, but your data security is something to take seriously.

My website is not secure, how can I fix it?

If you’re concerned about your website’s rankings and want to enhance its security, you’re in the right place. Making your website secure with HTTPS is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a simple five-step guide to help you secure your website for both site visitors and customers.

1. Install an SSL Certificate: To start, you’ll need to install a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate on your website. This certificate facilitates a secure connection between your site and its visitors. When someone visits your site, their browser will request the server’s identity. The server responds by sending the SSL certificate, which the browser checks for trustworthiness. If the certificate is trusted, the server and browser establish an encrypted session, ensuring the secure transmission of data. To get an SSL certificate, explore options from reputable providers.
2. Switch to HTTPS for Links: It’s essential to ensure that all your internal and external links use HTTPS. This might seem like a meticulous task, but it’s crucial for maintaining the security of your website. This way, HTTPS will benefit your website instead of harming it.
3. Verify Your Site in Google Search Console: After installing the SSL certificate and updating your links to HTTPS, it’s important to verify both the HTTP and HTTPS versions of your site in Google Search Console. Make sure your preferred domain is set to the HTTPS version. This ensures that your visitors are always directed to the secure version of your site.
4. Set Up HTTP to HTTPS Redirects: If your website is mentioned on third-party sites that you control, make sure to update any references from HTTP to HTTPS. Additionally, set up 301 redirects on your site to ensure that all HTTP URLs automatically lead to their HTTPS counterparts.
5. Update Your XML Sitemap: Your XML sitemap serves as a roadmap for both site visitors and search engines, helping them navigate your site efficiently. Update your sitemap to reference the HTTPS versions of your site pages. This ensures that Google re-crawls and indexes your site with the new HTTPS links. Don’t forget to submit the updated sitemap to Google Search Console for proper indexing.

By following these five steps, you can secure your website with HTTPS and provide a safer and more trustworthy experience for your site visitors and customers.

Need help securing your website?

Website owners often wonder, “How can I enhance the security of my website?” This concern is entirely valid, particularly when it comes to retaining customers and boosting sales.

At Tap for Tech, our dedicated team of experts is ready to create a secure website tailored to your unique business needs. Our comprehensive services cover website design and development, and we consistently adhere to industry best practices to ensure the utmost security for your website.

By prioritizing security, you not only protect your business and customer data but also build trust, which is crucial for long-term success. Partner with Tap for Tech to fortify your online presence and provide a safe and secure experience for your website visitors.

Must read: Web Crawler 101: What Is a Web Crawler and How Do Crawlers Work?