Cybersecurity is more important than ever. Why do SSL certificates matter? Google rolled out a plan with the introduction of Chrome 68 to start marking websites as unsafe that do not have an active SSL (Secure Sockets Layers) certificate.

Websites viewed in Chrome that have not been secured with HTTPS encryption will be labeled with the above warning in the URL browser bar to alert users that their information might not be protected. So, what exactly does this mean, why is it important, what happens to websites that don’t have one, and what should you do to ensure customers can learn about your business?

What it means

With 18.5 million websites infected with malware—or roughly 1 percent of all websites—it’s important to take necessary measures to protect your users’ information. One way is with an SSL certificate, which can be added to a website to require encryption between a link and a browser.  An SSL certificate has become a standard technological component for websites and eCommerce platforms to prevent hackers from gaining access to personal information, especially when it comes to financial transactions.

Why it’s important

SSL certificates are the gatekeeper to a website when it comes to personal information. They encrypt personal details such as passwords, form entry data and payment information that could be readily available to hackers. Having a secure and safe online experience not only protects your customers from having their personal information stolen, but establishes your brand’s credibility through a safe journey online.

What happens to websites that don’t comply?

This warning message can affect your website’s performance and metrics, especially bounce rate, time spent on site and conversions. Any website that has a form to collect information must comply with having an SSL certificate to prevent this warning. Many users will simply leave the site before entering upon seeing that message. However, website owners shouldn’t view Google as punishing them for not complying to new rules; they should see it as Google rewarding those that are making the Internet safer against cybercrime.

What should you do?

The good news is SSL certificates are easy to obtain and aren’t very expensive. Web Strategy Plus can help you add an SSL certificate to your website. For a free consultation and quote about how we can help make your website more secure, contact us today!

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Michelle Hummel is CEO of Web Strategy Plus a full-service digital marketing agency. She was recently nominated for the Woman-Owned Business of the Year! She’s a passionate Social Media Trainer with 15+ years of successful online business development, sales, and marketing experience. She also holds a valuable Internet Marketing Degree however with the ever-changing world of web marketing she strives to learn something new every day.

She travels Nationwide visiting her 22 Social Media Enthusiasts Chapters she developed Nationwide delivering in-depth social media training. She also provides Social Media Certifications through founding Web Media University. A current contributing editor to The Franchise Dictionary Magazine and she has written 3 books in her series called, “The Social Media Magnet: Everything You Need to Know to Attract Customers with Social Media”, where she shares her best-kept secrets to success. She also specializes in helping Franchisors and Franchisees develop an integrated web marketing program to drive leads. She’s available for interviews via email, telephone, Skype video, news segments on location, and more. Just let her know how she can help!