Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), as opposed to HTTP, means that the communications between your browser and the website are encrypted (secure).
Here are three important arguments for getting an SSL certificate before 2017:
1. It’s better for Google Chrome.
In January 2017, which is now only one month away (OMG), Chrome 56 (replacing Chrome 53) will start displaying “not secure” in all non-secure e-commerce browser bars, or any website requiring some kind of login or payment information. This means if you’re NOT using HTTPS, your customers are going to feel very insecure about trusting your website when making purchases, and may instead opt to buy from your competitor.
Google Chrome, as of 2016, is responsible for about half of all internet traffic, so it’s worth paying attention.
2. It’s good for your Google ranking.
First of all, Google is going to begin indexing the mobile versions of websites. This means that over time, the algorithms that determine whether your site shows up on those precious first one or two pages during a Google search, will be determined by your mobile site. Google will not index your mobile site if it is not secure.
Secondly, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) will become a priority for Google in 2017. AMP speeds up loading time on mobile so that the page loads almost instantaneously. You can tell if sites on your Google search results are AMP-ready when they display a lightning bolt next to the listing. These listings will rank better, starting next year.
3. It makes your site more hack-resistant.
Unfortunately, data breaches are commonplace, and the business sector topped the ITRC 2015 Breach List, encompassing 40% of publicly reported breaches in 2015. This means that more businesses have been found to be lacking in the kind of security that the future of technology requires, and will require down the road. The motivations are overwhelmingly simple…money. Second to money, is the hacker’s desire to access sensitive and private information. In a world with an increasing need to fight to preserve our finances, identity, and privacy, do you really want your business to look vulnerable?
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