Google announced this month that their Chrome internet browser will start blocking mixed content webpages starting this December. We’re here to help you understand what this means for your website and your business. We’ll also help you understand what you can do to prevent Google Chrome from blocking your website.
What is Mixed Content?
You may have gone the extra step to ensure your website uses HTTPS protocol to indicate that it’s secure. However, when Google talks about mixed content they mean the images, scripts, styles, and any other linked content from an insecure HTTP source. So, despite having a secure web page loaded through HTTPS, your website may still be invisible to Chrome users.
The reason they’re doing this is because mixed content pages actually degrade the security of your website, along with user experience. It’s a security risk to anyone visiting your website and your website itself. Attackers can use these resources to gain complete control over your entire page, not just the unsecured resources.
This is why it’s so important you go the extra mile to ensure your website is secure in every way possible. Especially with these upcoming changes.
How will Google Chrome Tackle the Problem?
Right now, Google chrome loads websites that have non-secure mixed content. However, starting in December of 2019 two things will happen. The first being that Google will automatically upgrade any HTTP content to HTTPS if possible. They’ll also add a toggle option that allows Chrome users to unblock the unsecure resources blocked by Chrome. This is timed with the introduction of Chrome 79 and their quest to make websites safer.
While this action doesn’t fully block every site if the toggle is deactivated, it can still limit web traffic for those who choose to use this safety feature. Websites with mixed content will display a security warning that may make users nervous and click away. In turn, this can result in less traffic, fewer visitors, and a reduction of sales.
Come January 2020, Google will eliminate the toggle option and Chrome will truly block non-secure mixed content web pages in full force. That means you have limited time to make sure your website and all the resources are secure.
Does My Website Have Non-Secure Mixed Content?
Now that you know what mixed content is and why Google is choosing to block it, let’s take a look at your website. There are a variety of ways to check for mixed content on your website. Thankfully, some of these options won’t cost you anything but a little time.
Free Online Mixed Content Scanners
Really Simple SSL is a WordPress plugin that can both check and fix mixed content on your WordPress site. It helps as you migrate your website to SSL. And, if you’ve already migrated, you can use the complimentary plugin SSL Insecure Content Fixer WordPress Plugin to scan your website and alert you about any insecure resources. This tool will also help you fix any instances of mixed content.
JitBit SSL Checker is free. It’s an online scanner that will check a maximum of 400 pages on your website for mixed content.
Making Sure Your Website is Optimized
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to finding or fixing non-secured mixed content, let our experienced staff help. Our professional website building team can help you create a stunning and effective website. We can help ensure Google wont’ block your website by helping with your mixed content. We can also build you a website that’s been search engine optimized. This helps your website appear higher up in Google’s search ranks.
Just let us know your needs and we’ll find a way to help you out. From website development, search engine optimization, logo design and more, Portside Marketing is here to meet your needs.