With so much of malware circulating around the internet, people are becoming unsure about conducting business online. Recognizing the danger posed by many websites, Google has announced that its new version of Chrome i,e Chrome 56 will start marking non secure websites as unsafe. Though, this change has not been copied by other browsers, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see them following suit. It is high time for website owners to start making changes from http to https.
Many users are not even aware that they are sending sensitive information like login id, account details, credit card information through a non-secure website. Google’s new version of Chrome started marking https site as safe. Users would be able to see a green colored padlock along with the company’s name on the address bar. This would give users the assurance that the site he/she is using is actually the one he/she wants to use and not any duplicate or fraud site. The site that has http in its address bar will be marked as unsecure or dangerous with a red triangle.
With the markings so clear, it will enable users to make informative choices regarding using websites. Hence, if the website owners want the users to continue using their websites they will have to make changes in their security certification. Google has already busted myths regarding https. Https is not expensive or slow. In fact, Google has come up with certain guidelines that if followed would help you make an easy transition from http to https. In some time, you would find that the network traffic has not changed and in fact, your SEO rankings have improved.
While going for the secure certification, you would find three types of SSL certifications on offer. Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV) and Extended Validation (EV). Though all three of them would activate https, EV is considered to be most secure and reliable. The reason is that with EV, along with the green padlock, website owners name is also shown in the address bar. This blocks fraudulent use of your website name. Users get to know that they are conducting their financial transactions with a safe company, thus increasing their trust. This makes them come back again.
Next thing to keep in mind is placing your 301 redirects properly. These redirects are necessary to make sure that anyone accessing your website through old http link gets redirected to your new https link. When the redirects are not placed properly they give rise to canonical issues. When people are searching for your website using different URL’s like www.new.com or new.com the search engine would index your website in such a way that it would look like a copied or duplicated content.
Google will be implementing this change fully from October 2017 onwards. This means that the sooner you start work on your website the better it would be. October being the start of holiday season would find lots of online shoppers and you don’t want all the e-commerce traffic being diverted from your website for the sake of one certification.
Secure Your Passwords
Passwords act as the primary shield, saving us from the cyber criminals that is why it is important to have strong passwords. Ensure to have a different and unique password for each account and it is advisable to change your passwords on a regular basis.
Signing In and Out
Its very easy to sign into the Google account but it is highly advisable that while using computers that are in public such as university, library or cybercafe, always make sure that you have signed out. If you don’t do that, then you put your information and data at risk.
Managing Multiple Accounts
Various devices such as smartphones and computers are able to handle multiple online accounts. This signifies that users have the control of every account in their hands. That is why, it is all the more important to be extra careful while managing multiple accounts. Assess the forwarding settings, recovery options and keep an eye on the odd activities if you find any. It is also important to have a recovery phone number or email so that if ever you face problem while logging in, for instance forgetting your password, then you can rest it easily.
Use Secure Networks
Always be more vigilant upon using a network that you aren’t familiar with such as using a free Wi-Fi at the cyber cafe. It is possible for service providers to easily observe the traffic that is present on their network, which means it also involves your private data.
Lock Your Screen or Device
Remember, once you have used your smartphone, computer or laptop, make sure that you lock your screen. If you don’t do so, anyone can easily use it without your knowledge. As an additional security measure, users can even put the device on automatic lock.
Keep Your Device Clean
In case while using Google, you get redirected from the home page, constantly see unwanted bars, pop-up ads, unwanted search results, it is highly likely that your computer has a virus. Viruses or malware are malicious software that is meant to harm your device. In order to safeguard your computer, you must remember that you constantly update your operating system as well as the browser you use to surf the internet. It is also crucial to ensure that you are not clicking or downloading anything unwanted or harmful.
Online Shopping Safety
Every day, the number of people shopping online is increasing drastically and that is why it is vital that you ensure the safety of your device and information while doing so. It is highly advisable to have a payment method that has buyer protections. You must have a record of your transactions. Also, neglect the sites that are hacked sites, never do transactions on public computers and transfer your information only on connections that are safe and trustworthy.
Zahoor Bhat has over 10+ years of experience as an online editor and media manager. He has worked with major online news and content sites as a media manager. He is well versed with major content management systems and web platforms such as WordPress and social media networks including Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Google Business, Yelp, Instagram & Linkedin. He is an expert in content creation, proofreading and finally making it live. Being a social media expert, he is able to make relations with social media influencers and make sure to generate leads and grow business via different social media platforms.
