Google increases penalties on unsecured websites

By seoBusiness

02 Oct 2018

ebusiness-uk-https-1000x667.jpg

Following Google’s latest update, three-quarters of internet users will be warned against using your site if it doesn’t have up-to-date security - even if you aren’t collecting sensitive information.

 

Over the last few years, Google’s search engine has attempted to make the entire internet a safer place for users. This summer, it made another stride forward when its browser began warning against unsecure websites.

Websites which haven’t applied for and installed a relevant and up-to-date security certificate will now be flagged, in red, as unsafe to use.

And this applies to all websites. Not just those which handle personal details and credit card information, but even smaller, purely informational websites too.

The technology in question is HTTPS. In the most basic of terms, HTTPS prevents outsiders from accessing data sent between a user’s computer and the website they’re visiting. The internet as we know it was built on HTTP, that’s been the standard for many years, but now Google is punishing those without the added S (which stands for secure).

This makes the internet safer for browsers. Through HTTP, it’s possible for third parties to intercept data including personal or sensitive information as well as payment details. It is also possible for third parties to inject their own code into unsecure websites. In its simplest form, they can add their own adverts into websites. But it can also be used for more dangerous purposes, such as adding in malware.

Because of this, Google began taking HTTP or HTTPS status into account when ranking websites as far back as 2014. HTTPS-backed sites have been more visible in search results than less secure alternatives since then.

In the last few weeks, Google changed the way Chrome browsers handled such sites. Until now, secure HTTPS websites have been displayed with a green checkmark, indicating their security level. This showed that the internet was unsafe by default and that security was an added bonus.

To reverse this, that green checkmark has been reduced and now unsecure HTTP websites will be displayed with a red checkmark which warns users against entering sensitive information.

The Firefox browser has a similar function. Three-quarters of internet use goes through either Chrome or Firefox, making this the most visible move against unsecure websites to date.

In short, if your site doesn’t have an up-to-date security certificate, it is ranking lower on Google and a majority of users are being warned that visiting your website could be harmful to them.

This is, naturally, hugely detrimental to the volume of traffic your site receives as well as your conversion rates. HTTPS protocol is now essential for all websites.

You can read Google’s own guide to applying HTTPS to your own site here, and the good news is that you can upgrade your site for free, through services such as Let’s Encrypt, though it can be complex and time-consuming.

Alternatively, talk to one of our expert web development team about your website. We have a range of options that will help ensure yours is secure - and on the right side of Google’s new rules. If you’re concerned about Google’s latest security crackdown, or you have any other questions about getting better returns from your website, call us for a  free, no-obligation consultation on  01254 279998.

Latest news

1

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin