Just as you thought you were out of the woods with GDPR, along comes something else. Google are rolling out their "Speed Update" in July, as well as marking any website not listed as HTTPS as "not secure". These changes do only affect Google Chrome, but we'll explain why that's still a big problem in a bit.

Let's talk about the Speed Update first. It's a new algorithm for mobile searches, designed to target sites that give users "the slowest experience" possible.  So the slower your website is, the more likely it'll be affected, unless it's got some really good and relevant content.

Now let's talk about Google marking non-HTTPS websites as "non-secure." HTTPS is essentially a more secure version of HTTP. It provides 3 key layers of protection; encryption (data is encrypted to prevent eavesdropping), data integrity (data can't be corrupted or modified during a transfer without being detected) and authentication (proves your users communicate with the intended website). This move is going to be pushed out at the same time Google release Chrome 68.

The problem will get a little bigger come October. When Chrome 70 releases, any Symantec certificates not issued after December 1, 2017 will be listed as not being trustworthy. Meaning anyone visiting a website with one will have to go through a warning page. And you don't need me to tell you that not a lot of people actually do that.

Of course, not everybody uses Google Chrome. However, a staggering 48.15% of internet users in the UK *do* use it, with a further 60.28% of desktop users browsing with Chrome, so potentially losing that many people to a simple warning message would be a real blow to any small business. On top of that, 83% of internet users in the UK said they *wouldn't*continue to browse a site if they were told it wasn't secure.

This is all pretty important. However, as one of our clients you don't have to worry - we've got your backs on this one. Our sites have been ready for this since last year. You don't need to do anything. All of our websites are up to speed and secure. We've double checked. Triple checked, even.

If your website isn't secure though, or if you just aren't sure, get in touch with us and we'll help you figure it out.