The Importance of Website Security

It is a universally known fact that security is a critical component in running a successful website. It serves to safeguard the confidential data of users while also enhancing the online presence of a website. While reinforcing security protocols, one factor to consider is HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which ensures that data transmitted between a user’s browser and the website server remains locked in an encrypted format, hence preventing unauthorized access.

The issue of “Not Secure” Websites

One issue website owners may encounter is the “not secure” warning displayed on their website. This warning could potentially repell users, thereby diminishing trust and confidence in the business. Fortunately, removing the “not secure” warning on WordPress is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to make the process easier:

Step 1: Obtain and Install an SSL Certificate

The first step is to obtain an SSL certificate, which confirms the website’s security status. Some hosting providers offer their customers free SSL certificates, while others may require a fee. Once the SSL certificate has been obtained, it is then installed and configured to suit the hosting needs and platform used.

Step 2: Update Site URL

After installing the SSL certificate, the next step is to update the site URL to reflect this secure connection. This can be done via the WordPress admin dashboard section by accessing Settings>General and updating the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” fields by adding the “https” prefix.

Step3: Redirection to HTTPS

For automatic redirection, configure the server to redirect users to the secure website version. This can be done via the .htaccess file by adding HTTPS redirect rules.

Step 4: Update Internal Links

All internal links on the website must reflect the new secure “https” prefix. A plugin such as Better Search Replace can simplify this by replacing HTTP URLs with HTTPS URLs in posts, pages, and databases.

Step 5: Update Resource Links

Third-party resource links, such as images or style sheets, should be upgraded to use the HTTPS protocol. Not all these resources may work through HTTPS, so ensure they work correctly through testing.

Step 6: Update The CDN Link

If using a Content Delivery Network (CDN), it is essential to update the CDN link to reflect the secure connection. This will ensure all related resources, including images, CSS and JavaScript files, can be delivered through the HTTPS protocol.

Step 7: Install An SSL Plugin

Install an SSL plugin like SSL Insecure Content Fixer to identify and fix insecure content issues to simplify the migration process.

Step 8: Verify SSL Configuration

Finally, verify the SSL configuration to ensure everything has been set up correctly. Check your SSL certificate’s status via the SSL Labs Server Test.

In Conclusion

Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS is vital for website security, and fortunately, it is not a difficult process. To keep data loss at bay, back up your website during the migration process. Ensure you test your website once you’re done with the migration process to confirm everything is working correctly. By following the steps and avoiding common mistakes, it’s always possible to maintain a reliable and secure website that ensures user satisfaction and boosts the business’s online presence.