Changes to SSL and how it will impact your website?

Since most chrome browsers update automatically you may have noticed that some HTTP pages are showing a non-secure message in the browser bar. Whilst at the moment this is only for pages that collect passwords or data it is part of a bigger plan to move towards https as the standard, to provide users a more secure experience and ultimately label all HTTP pages ‘non-secure’ with a red triangle.

So as a website owner what should you be looking to do? A web designers sydney agency can help you navigate this maze and come out with an optimal solution. Just so that you have the overview of https and the types of certificates available I have explained the options below which can be the starting point of your discussion with your web designer.

HTTPS explained in plain English

This is short for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure and differs from HTTP in that the connection is encrypted which means data when transferred, cannot be read if intercepted. The sender and receiver both use codes which are done by means of an SSL certificate. There are many types of certificates available but we have listed some of the more common ones.

SSL Certificates

The three most common types of certificates that can be organised through your web designers Sydney agency are

• Domain Validation SSL
• Organisation Validation SSL
• Extended Validation SSL

 A Domain Validation SSL is the standard type. It verifies the SSL-holder has the rights to a specific domain and doesn’t require much paperwork. It is also inexpensive. It is ideal for dealing with the upcoming changes mentioned above or if you have an online shop where you receive payments from customers or transfer personal information over the internet.

The Organisation Validation SSL includes more inspection of the organisation and shows this information when you click the padlock in the address bar of your browser.

It offers all the benefits of the validation SSL plus the added benefit of displaying your business name next to the padlock. It is good for branding and adds an extra layer of confidence for customers.

An Extended Validation SSL affords the greatest security with the most extensive screening of the organisation.

So which SSL certificate will you and your website designer Sydney agency choose? For some small businesses, a Domain Validation SSL will be simplest and best. You may, however, find an Extended Validation SSL to be a sound investment as it puts a green padlock and the name of your organisation in the address bar of your browser-boosting a visitor’s trust in your site.

Why use HTTPS in your web design Sydney?

As well as the security it provides and the trust your organisation can garner through its use, changing to HTTPS can improve your website loading times and even help your ranking as Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal.

Things to Take into Account if Changing to HTTPS

Firstly, it does take the time to execute and the SSL certificate is only valid for a set time which means you or your web designer Sydney agency will have to renew it periodically. Then there is also the cost. Whilst free certificates are available they are only the most basic type so if you want an Organisation Validation SSL or Extended Validation SSL in your web design Sydney you will need to invest some money. Changing from HTTP to HTTPS in an existing website can cause some SEO issues but your web designers should be able to advise you about this.

Conclusion

More and more businesses will move across to HTTPS in the future. Greater security, visitor trust along with a small boost in speed and search engine rankings is its main advantages. Free SSL certificates are available but using Organisation Validation or Extended Validation SSLs will still require investment whilst also take time. So should your business use HTTPS? Contact your web designer Sydney agency for advice for your business.