It has recently been announced that Google are considering tightening confidentiality in order to protect users. This could have an impact on each and every website currently listed as HTTP, and it's up to you to decide whether to follow suit and reap the rewards.
So what is HTTP and HTTPS?
At the start of every web address you will find either HTTP or HTTPS. This means that the website is connecting with the browser you are using in either a secure (HTTPS) or unsecure (HTTP) connection. HTTPS is generally used for websites and pages where you may enter personal details or payment information, this includes email accounts, PayPal etc. When you are using HTTPS, all of the data that you send and receive from the web server is encrypted.
HTTP on the other hand is not encrypted. It is used on many websites and could allow for someone to eavesdrop on the actions you are taking, searches you are carrying out and information that you are sending to the web server. This could leave you vulnerable to hacking, and for this reason you should always check that the website you use has HTTPS within the URL when entering confidential information.
Anyway, back to Google...
Google may have been working on a way to increase security measures, with Matt Cutts publicly supporting this decision in March 2014. In order to try and protect users and attempt to reduce the risk of hackers or "man-in-the-middle surveillance" as Greg Sterling stated on http://marketingland.com/, Google have advised that they may give websites a small ranking advantage to those that use HTTPS, a reward if you will. It must be noted that this small advantage would only be minor in the initial phase and would not outweigh other SEO attributes such as content and links. There could however be potential for this to become a heavy weight attribute in the future if it proves successful.
So will you be transferring to HTTPS? You decide...
To find out more about Google and the impact of HTTPS, simply visit http://searchengineland.com/.
Image courtesy of Kalexanderson.
