Google recently published a cross-posted article from the Webmaster Central Blog calling for HTTPS everywhere on the web.
In our opinion this is a highly responsible position, as all traffic between servers and browsers (users) should be encrypted, this is particularly important when sending sensitive information to a server (such as passwords to log-in). However, as it stands currently purchasing, installing and maintaining an SSL certificate comes at a cost, something companies with big budgets can afford but that smaller businesses and SMEs may struggle to adopt.
What Google are doing to encourage webmasters to adopt HTTPS on their websites, Google will then use HTTPS as a ranking signal to help determine your prominence in search engine results. This basically translates to 'you will rank higher in search results pages if you invest in a secure, encrypted connection' for your website. Fine for the big budget, difficult if you're running a tight purse or going through a bit of a quiet patch.
Google does reassure that high-quality content is still given more weight than website security but warns that this is to allow time for webmasters to switch to HTTPS to keep everyone safe on the web.
In the coming weeks, we'll share with you Google's best practices to make this adoption easier and to avoid common mistakes. If you wanted to find out more for yourself, information on securing your site is available in Google's help centre now.
Already on HTTPS?
You're in a good position for the future and can test security level with the Qualys Lab SSL checker tool.
We predict that security level will be the weighted signal that helps Google apply the level of your security-based ranking signal. So testing your level will help to indicate to you how good your position is going forward.
If you wanted to discuss security levels, HTTPS or certifications please get in touch with us via email at enq@barkweb.co.uk or call on 01323 735800.