You heard that right!

It is estimated that Google Chrome has over 1 billion users today. Given that it’s one of the most popular and up-to-date web browsers, I am glad they’re finally taking a step in the direction of alerting users when a site is not secure. This labeling system is currently active as of January 2017 and focuses mainly on unencrypted sites that transmit passwords or asks for credit card information. This is just the first step Google is making towards discouraging the use of sites that don’t use encryption. Google has reported that today, more than half of the websites visited by Chrome users are already encrypted.

The updated version of Chrome 56 will be the first version of web browser that will alert the user of this status as well as working in the future towards a safer internet experience. Russell Brandom of The Verge lays out Chromes next steps, “In the years to come, the team plans to warn Chrome users away from all sites served over unencrypted HTTP, beginning with Incognito mode ‘where users may have higher expectations of privacy.’ Planned changes include labeling all HTTP pages with the red triangle warning symbol, currently only used for irregularities in HTTPS.”

What can you do today?

Update your Chrome browser (if it does not automatically do so), would be the first step. We all want an internet that’s safer and more secure for the every day user. Lucky for us, Google is taking security to the next level and will continue to do so in the coming years. Contact us here at RealBasics to help you navigate the confusing and sometimes scary world of website encryption. We are here to help make your website experience even better!