Google Chrome and Firefox have begun warning visitors of insecure websites.   The Google Chrome and Firefox browsers display an alert on any unencrypted website that prompts a visitor fill in a form, enter login details, or provide any other personal information.  How does this affect your Social Law hosted website?

For many years, it has been “best practice” to encrypt a website when sensitive information is being transmitted through it.  Online banking, e-commerce websites, and anywhere a user is expected to login with a username and password should always be encrypted.

However, there are many more benefits to encrypting your website than just safeguarding personal information.  “HTTPS”, the web’s encrypted protocol, solves many “HTTP” security issues by encrypting traffic between the Internet and your device.  The data being transmitted is still visible to anyone listening but it becomes an unmanageable and unreadable mess of numbers and letters that make no sense to a potential threat.  Hack attempt thwarted.

Website Encryption is also useful for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Currently, over 50% of websites appearing on the first page of Google’s search results are “HTTPS” compliant.   So, if your goal is to be on the first page of Google, then “HTTPS” is a must. Not only for your client’s peace of mind, but for the overall benefit of your SEO strategy.

All you need is one visitor to start talking about how unsafe your website is and your reputation will be in doubt.   It is also not good for a potential client to be made aware by Google or Firefox that your website is not secure.  It will raise a red flag about you, your practice, and your website and unless your website is known to your potential new client, they will immediately leave to browse somewhere else.

Google, the most popular search engine in the world, has implemented a global push to have websites running “HTTPS”; it makes sense to encrypt your website before you lose pace with your competitors and lose traffic to your website.  Enhance your reputation; promote your brand and convey your law practice’s prestige with SLL website encryption and a valid SSL Certificate.

Social Law Library Web Hosting clients can now take advantage of SSL Encryption.  Any Social Law hosted website can be encrypted.    Contact the Technology Services department of the Social Law Library at 617-226-1570 or by emailing support@socialaw.com with any questions you have about this exciting new service.