The world’s most popular search engine on the planet, Google, is cracking down on hackers and malware by changing its rules on how it determines if a website is secure or not. To warn users, they are marking HTTP websites with a red “not secure” label in the URL. To unlock this label to a green “secure” label, website owners can purchase an SSL certificate to get HTTPS encryption.
What is HTTPS Encryption?
According to instantssl.com, HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and the website that you are connected to. The ‘S’ at the end of HTTPS stands for ‘Secure’. HTTPS encryption protects the channel between your web browser and the websites you’re visiting to ensure an outside force can’t tamper with the connection or spy on you. Without HTTPS encryption, someone with access to your router could steal your information or inject viruses into your computer. Also, should your competitor have HTTPS encryption and you do not, they can outrank your website on search engines.
How to Install HTTPS Encryption on Your WordPress Website
To get this encryption, you will need an SSL certificate for your website that you can buy from a hosting company like Go Daddy. The SSL certificate can cost up to $74.99 per year. Check for discounts and coupons that can lower the price.
If you need help purchasing an SSL certificate and migrating it to your website please contact us today.