Google has announced that it will show a very prominent “Not Secure” message to a site that does not have an SSL certificate starting in October 2018. Consider this your final warning. Your website may see higher bounce rated by users viewing your site on the Chrome browser. Not good.
What are they Changing?
Currently, Google is displaying a green icon to indicate that a website is secure. Google reports that because so many sites are now secure, they will begin to flag the insecure sites with a prominent red warning.
Additionally, Chrome will stop displaying the green icon for secure websites. The reasoning behind this decision is that HTTPS should be considered the default state of a website, particularly now that so many websites are secure. User expectations should be that a site is secure. Thus it makes sense that a warning should be reserved for a dangerous situation, not for a safe situation.
Rolling Out In Two Stages
This change will begin rolling out in two stages. The first stage begins on September 2018. This is the date that Chrome will stop displaying a green “warning” icon for safe websites.
Then on October 2018, Chrome will begin warning users about insecure sites. The warning will be in the form of a prominent red icon.
Takeaway: Should You Convert Your Site to HTTPS?
The answer is unequivocally yes, you should consider taking steps to secure your website. Previously it was said that securing a website with SSL was for eCommerce sites. This is no longer true. All websites will be affected. A red warning icon could potentially scare away site visitors.
Because Chrome will be displaying a prominent icon, it could have the effect of scaring away site visitors and raising your bounce-away metrics. More people may stop visiting your site upon seeing the red warning icon. This affects eCommerce and ad-driven informational sites equally.
Content adapted from searchenginejournal.com.
