HTTPS Runaround! Changes Needed ASAP

secure server https

Well, it’s started…. as if we didn’t have enough to worry about!

I have just received an announcement from Google Search Console:-

“Starting October 2017, Chrome (version 62) will show a “NOT SECURE” warning when users enter text in a form on an HTTP page, and for all HTTP pages in Incognito mode.

The following URLs on your site include text input fields (such as < input type="text" > or < input type="email" >) that will trigger the new Chrome warning. Review these examples to see where these warnings will appear, so that you can take action to help protect users’ data. This list is not exhaustive.”

So… ANY page which contains, for example, a site search routine – ie a simple text input field – HAS to be secure, or Chrome will panic the public into thinking the site isn’t safe.

It’s not like I am collecting any important PERSONAL DATA or anything…

Bloody Google!

To use a well known Aussie expression… “Not Happy Jan!”

I suppose this will allow lots of “savvy agencies” to charge like wounded bulls to fix this new “problem” that all (most) websites will now have!

So what can you do about it?

The simplest thing to do is to use a sitewide 301 (permanent) redirect using your .htaccess file – Insert a rewrite rule to convert anything that is coming in over HTTP, to go out as HTTPS. Google acknowledges however that such changes MAY impact your rankings/search results for a short period of time, however, they will recover.

If you are using any sort of content management system (CMS) this may involve making changes to the default settings for the main URL used… or any “included” files like navigation etc.

Be aware that ANY local internal link referenced WITHIN your content may ALSO need to be changed, as it is most likely pointing to the original HTTP page!

Even the IMAGE used on this page will need its source URL changed as it currently uses an “absolute” rather than “relative” URL! Grrrr!!!

So some proper URL mapping is in order, particularly with the BIGGER sites, so you can keep track of what is happening!

Good luck 🙂

By Stephen Spry · Filed Under Web Hosting 

« | Home | »

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *