During October 2017, Google have modified their algorithm for ranking websites. Google now prioritises websites that have an SSL Certificate installed over those that don’t. What this means is, the URL address bar should now show “https://yourwebsite.com.au” in your web browser. This is particularly obvious if you use Google Chrome, where it also displays a padlock and the word “Secure” in green text next to your URL (see image below).
This will become more obvious when Chrome v62 is released late in 2017, and it will start to display non-HTTPS pages with text input fields (like contact forms and search bars), and all HTTP websites as “NOT SECURE” in the address bar. Notifications of this change were sent out to all web owners during April 2017.
Please continue to be careful when browsing websites, as just by having HTTPS in the URL, doesn’t mean the site is secure. Continue to check the URL for unusual or additional characters, as more phishing or risky websites will begin to use SSL certificates.
For more information on other services provided by Spot-On Computing services, see our Website Design, Build and SEO services document, or if you just want to address this specific situation, please Contact Us, and we’ll help you get moving in the right direction.