Internet Security is an ever present, evolving and critical topic.
Recently, Google has made a push towards making the Internet a safer place for its users. This has included providing resources to the public on the topic of preventing security breaches to your website, ensuring that people using Google or Gmail have secure connections, and highly recommending that all website owners switch from HTTP to HTTPS.
How do I know if my site is vulnerable? What resources are available to help get me started?
Unfortunately, it's a fact that thousands of websites are hacked every day. Unknown to users, many sites can have vulnerabilities that might not be so obvious. Once a vulnerability exists, further damage can be done via malicious software, spam, etc.
Some key actions you can take include:
- Make sure your CMS (Content Management System) is up to date
- Always update your site's plugins
- Set up a Google Webmaster Tools Account to better monitor your website
- Check Google Search results for your website for notifications of possible harm
For a more comprehensive tutorial, visit Google Webmaster Security Breach page here.
What is HTTPS? HTTPS indicates a secure communication over computer networks.
What type of websites already have the secure HTTPS? E-commerce sites, online banking, even Facebook use HTTPS. Any place you have personal information stored, or share your credit card information, you want to see HTTPS in the URL. If you don't see it, don't use it.
Google is rewarding website owners who are adopting a HTTPS to their website, by slowly rolling out "HTTPS as a ranking signal." This means that your website and its content will have a better chance in future of ranking higher in Google Search results if it is recognized as using a secure, encrypted connection. You want your site to show up as easily as possible for potential visitors and clients, right?
If you'd like more information, or would like to discuss the prospect of verifying that your site is beyond the shadow of a doubt "secure" for you, and all of your sites visitors, AND get your site ranked as high as possible on Google search results, contact Mortimer Smythe today and let's work together.