Google is adding its considerable weight to the online security space by giving a rankings boost to sites that go HTTPS. HTTPS means adding an SSL 2048-bit key certificate to a website, and thus increasing the security of the site.
Google says security is a top priority. It’s services us things like strong HTTPS encryption by default. “Beyond our own stuff, we’re also working to make the Internet safer more broadly. A big part of that is making sure that websites people access from Google are secure. For instance, we have created resources to help webmasters prevent and fix security breaches on their sites (https://www.google.com/webmasters/hacked/). “
Google says it has been running tests taking into account whether sites use secure, encrypted connections as a signal in its search ranking algorithms, and having seen positive results, it has decided to implement security as a ranking signal.
“For now it’s only a very lightweight signal—affecting fewer than 1% of global queries, and carrying less weight than other signals such as high-quality content—while we give webmasters time to switch to HTTPS,” Google says. “But over time, we may decide to strengthen it, because we’d like to encourage all website owners to switch from HTTP to HTTPS to keep everyone safe on the web.”
For site owners looking to boost site visits and Google rankings, applying SSL certificates and enforcing always-on SSL standards will mean that the website is secured from start to finish through HTTPS.
Contributed by:
Megan Rehbock, LAWtrust, certificate service manager
About LAWtrust
LAWtrust is a specialist security solutions provider that builds trust in information systems through establishing authenticity, accountability and privacy in data messages. It focuses on applying digital signatures and positive identity to business processes, saving time, lowering costs and reducing risk for businesses. LAWtrust operates the only WebTrust certified trust centre in Africa, is included in both the Adobe and Microsoft Trust Lists as a Trusted Root Certificate Authority and was the first accredited authentication service provider under the ECT Act to provide advanced electronic signatures. LAWtrust is also an experienced security solution integrator playing a key role in many strategic projects in both the private and public sector, such as implementing, integrating and operating the PKI and Key Management System for South African National ID card operation. http://www.lawtrust.co.za
