While the transition to HTTPS has been something pushed by digital marketers for quite some time, Google recently released a statement verifying that Chrome will show “not secure” warnings in multiple areas of a non-HTTPS site. Over the past few weeks, Google Search Console users were informed that October 2017 will be the month when the transition would take place and the warnings would be apparent. While certain visitors to your site may understand that this is merely a warning, the words “not secure” may be detrimental to your user’s experience and ultimately result in a loss of sessions and conversions.
What does this HTTPS announcement mean?
Google has spoken about the importance of making websites secure for a while now and agencies like Practis have been backing up those statements with tips and data surrounding the importance of HTTPS. This most recent announcement is Google’s way of letting site managers know that there IS a change coming at a specific time, and to be prepared. This warning, however, is no different than what they have been saying all along – you will eventually NEED a secure site.
Google’s plan is to eventually label all HTTP sites as non-secure from the time a user lands on the page. The initial steps, per this warning’s indication, will be to show a “not secure” alert in two situations: “when users enter data on an HTTP page, and on all HTTP pages visited in incognito mode.” This means that any forms, such as a contact us form, being filled out on HTTP site will be flagged and any HTTP sites visited in a private Chrome browser will as well.
Practis Forms and HTTPS
You may be wondering about your HIPAA compliant Practis Form, and whether or not it will be safe. The short answer is yes. However, that does not diminish the need for HTTPS across your whole site. Practis Forms are a HIPAA compliant solution that are hosted on a completely secure server that safeguards all data via a 256 bit SSL encryption. This means that while it is seen on your site, it is hosted elsewhere, allowing it to stay secure. If your site is already HTTPS, you’re effectively doubling up on security for your user’s experience. If only your forms are secure, you will receive the warning mentioned above in incognito browsers. If only your site is secure, you will receive the warning when someone types in data on a page.
What are your options for making your medical website secure?
At this point in time, the best and most practical option is to make your site HTTPS and your forms HIPAA compliant and secure. By doing this, you will not only avoid the most recent warning from Google, but you will additionally avoid any further penalties that may come in the future. By being proactive and avoiding any reactive changes, you allow yourself to get ahead of your competitors, and create a better user experience for your website viewers. In addition, if you have not yet made your medical forms HIPAA compliant, there could be stiff penalties and fines associated with receiving any sort of patient information.
We at Practis are here to take care of your website and ensure that you are getting not only the best results, but are avoiding any issues or penalties. We are prepared to help you and your practice move your site to HTTPS with ease!
Contact your Online Marketing Specialist today for more information, drop us a quick message, or give us a call at {704} 887-5300 today!
