“Not Secure” website warning may appear in the address bar of Google Chrome version 68 or later. It is due to the absence of an SSL certificate on a website. But what does this warning mean? How can you identify if a website is secure or not? If you have landed on this blog, we will explain this warning in detail and provide clear steps to secure your website. Let’s begin.
Not Secure Website Warning – What Does It Mean?
“Not Secure” warning is to alert users that the website does not offer secure connections. It was introduced in Google Chrome’s 68th version and warns about the potential threats linked with unsecured online connections. This means the exchanged data between the user and the website can be intercepted, read, or modified by hostile parties.
The warning appears differently depending on the browser you use. But the message is clear: the connection to website is insecure, and website owners must take action.
A visitor cannot immediately resolve the “Not Secure” notice. However, they can take precautionary measures such as not putting personal information on such websites. This action encourages website owners to take the appropriate security precautions.
“Not Secure” warning does not suggest the website is infected with malware. It merely warns that the connection lacks adequate protection. Overall, it safeguards users against possible internet security dangers.
The most effective way to protect a website is using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. It encrypts data sent between the website and its visitors which makes it difficult for unauthorized persons to view or modify the information.
How Do You Tell If a Website Is Not Secure?
The address bar in a web browser specifically indicates if a website is safe or not. If the website is encrypted, the address in the bar will usually begin with “https://” before the domain’s name instead of “http://”. “s” indicates ‘secure’ and assures that the site uses a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate. Prominent giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook use this security protocol.
In addition to URL, most web browsers show a padlock/tune icon next to the website URL to signify that the connection accessed is safe. On the other hand, you will see a warning sign if a site is not secure. This indicates that the connection is exposed to potential threats.
Did You Know?
Every 37 seconds, there is a person under threat of cyberattacks. By the end of 2024, digital attacks will cost $9.2 trillion in damage. It is $1.1 trillion higher than last year and a staggering 972% more than six years ago.
So, if you think, ‘Why is a website displaying a secure sign important’? It is for your own web safety.
Causes of Not Secure Website Warning
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Lack of HTTPS Encryption
Websites without an SSL certificate or the ones using outdated HTTP protocols lack HTTPS encryption, leaving user data unprotected. To fix this issue, enable HTTPS and redirect all HTTP queries to secure HTTPS versions.
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Expired TLS/SSL Certificate
A browser marks a site as “not secure” when its SSL certificate has expired and is not renewed in time. You can renew and reissue your SSL certificates anytime in simple and inexpensive ways.
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Self-signed Certificate Problem
Self-signed certificates are signed and issued by the same private entity. Certificate Authorities (CAs) are not involved in the creation, signing or the issuance process. So, while self-signed certs provide basic encryption, they lack the level of trust and validation from a CA. They can be revoked, which prohibits users from making secure connections.
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Browser Security Updates
Web browsers frequently enhance security standards. In August 2023, most web browsers began enforcing stricter HTTPS standards. Due to this, unencrypted HTTP sites are marked as insecure.
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Mixed Content Issues
Mixed content occurs when a webpage is from a secure HTTPS connection but includes components loaded over an insecure HTTP connection. These components can include pictures, scripts, stylesheets, videos, or iframes. This combination raises security concerns as on one side the SSL certificate protects data exchange between a user’s browser and the website. While, on the other hand, unencrypted items on the page compromise the site’s integrity.
How to Fix Not Secure Website Warning?
Unsecured websites that use the HTTP protocol display the “Not Secure” warning on all their pages. It indicates that it cannot provide a secure connection. For years, websites have been switching to HTTPS for encryption and authentication. Countless sites now rely on this alert, so it is important to remove the warning now.
Here are the best ways to help you fix the “Not Secure” website warning.
1. Install SSL Certificate
Securing your website begins with installing an SSL certificate correctly. Different types of SSL Certificates are available. Choose as per specific needs:
By Validation:
By Usage:
An SSL certificate will ensure data between your website and visitors is encrypted and any third party cannot access it. You get improved security of your website. Moreover, the transition from http (insecure) to https (secure) offers top-notch protection.
Once your SSL certificate is set up, the “not secure” warning will disappear. You’ll notice that the prefix associated with your web address has changed from http to https. Also, a padlock/tune icon appears in the address bar, indicating that you’re on a secure website.
This security measure increases visitor trust in your site as it assures them that their personal information is not being misused.
2. Check Your URLs Work on HTTPS
It’s important to make sure that all internal links on your website redirect to HTTPS versions. Here’s how you can check and update your URLs to work on HTTPS:
- Identify HTTP Links:
Search your website’s HTML code for any links that use HTTP.<a href="http://www.yourdomain.com">Visit website</a>
- Update the Links:
Replace HTTP links with HTTPS versions.<a href="https://www.yourdomain.com">Visit website</a>
- Verify HTTPS Support:
Before updating links to HTTPS, ensure that both internal and external linked websites support secure connections. Visit the linked website using HTTPS in your browser. If it loads without security warnings, it supports HTTPS. Consider employing website crawlers or SSL checker tools for efficient verification.
3. Verify your Website in Google Search Console
To ensure your site’s security, you must validate both the HTTP and HTTPS versions in Google Search Console. This is because when you move to HTTPS, Google evaluates your site as if it were fresh, so make sure both versions are correctly indexed.
Methods for Website Verification in Google Search Console:
- Log in to your Google Search Console account and add a property (your website) for verification.
- Select the “HTML file upload” method from the choices. Google gives a unique HTML file for download.
- Upload the HTML file to your website. Download the HTML file and place it in your website’s root directory. The file should be identical to Google’s instructions and not changed.
- Confirm the file upload. To validate the uploaded file, navigate to Google Search Console and click the “Verify” option.
- Verify the File and do not destroy the HTML verification file. This prevents you losing your confirmed status and not having to start the verification procedure again.
4. Check Your HTTP URLs Redirect to HTTPS
Redirecting HTTP addresses to HTTPS is a smart idea for ensuring the security of your website. It provides an improved user experience with security to build and retain visitors.
To ensure safe connections and provide a good user experience, redirect all HTTP URLs to HTTPS on your website. There are several techniques to apply redirects for HTTP URLs:
- Modifying your.htaccess file on an Apache web server provides exact control without the need for plugins.
- Built-in routines in server-side languages such as PHP or Ruby can manage redirections, but they need technical knowledge.
- If your site is built on a content management system like WordPress, getting a redirect plugin simplifies the process. This will make it accessible to users with less technical knowledge.
- Ensure that any references to your website on third-party sites use HTTPS.
- Configure 301 redirects to drive users and search engines to the secure version. This will not only protect your site but also retain SEO rankings.
Why is it Important to Secure Your website?
Securing your website is very important for protecting your business and building user trust. An HTTPS-enabled website offers several key benefits:
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Avoid Negative Impressions
If a person’s web browser warns them that the connection is insecure, it might leave negative remarks on users. Using HTTPS secures the connection that your website and the pages share.
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Competitive Advantage
Improving online security may build a competitive edge enhancing search rankings and trust. It also lowers the danger of cyberattacks. A protected website can elevate your business in the long run. Build goodwill by maintaining users’ information leading to more conversions and purchases.
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Protecting Data
Entering personal information on a website is not always trustworthy. This applies to online browsers such as Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox, DuckDuckGo, and others. It conceals sensitive information such as card credentials for payments or passwords from being accessed and then misused by third parties. Your internet security isn’t just there to keep you away from hackers. You also need to prevent compromising important data.
Conclusion
A secure website is not just an option; it is a necessity for success. After you’ve set up HTTPS via SSL certificate on your website, you will not witness a “not secure” message. Once implemented, it also protects your brand’s reputation. Continuously monitor your website’s security and ensure your SSL certificate remains up-to-date.
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