Introduction:

Google Chrome, In the world of website security, HTTPS has become the gold standard for protecting users’ sensitive information online. However, Google is making a significant change to the way it displays the security of HTTPS-secured sites in its Chrome web browser.

Starting in September 2021, Google Chrome will no longer display the “lock” icon next to the website address for HTTPS-secured sites. This change is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to simplify the way it displays website security in Chrome.

While this change may seem minor, it has important implications for both website owners and users. In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the reasons behind the change, the impact it will have on website security, and what website owners can do to prepare.

Why is Google Chrome Making This Change?

The lock icon has been a staple of website security indicators for years. It has become synonymous with HTTPS and has helped users feel confident that their data is secure when browsing the web.

However, Google has found that the lock icon can be confusing for users. In some cases, users have mistakenly believed that the lock icon is an indicator of website authenticity or trustworthiness, rather than a symbol of HTTPS security.

Additionally, Google has found that the lock icon is not an effective indicator of website security. Research has shown that many users do not understand the meaning of the lock icon and that it can be easily spoofed by attackers.

To address these issues, Google is removing the lock icon and instead displaying a simple “https” label next to the website address. This label will appear gray in color for regular HTTPS connections and green for websites with Extended Validation (EV) certificates.

What is The Impact on Website Security?

At first glance, it may seem like removing the lock icon would make it harder for users to know if a website is secure. However, the “https” label is actually a more reliable indicator of website security than the lock icon.

The label provides a clear and concise indication that a website is using HTTPS encryption to protect user data. This is important because HTTPS encryption is essential for protecting sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal information from being intercepted by attackers.

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Furthermore, the “https” label will be displayed more prominently in Chrome than the lock icon was. This means that users will be more likely to notice it and recognize its significance.

What Can Website Owners Do To Prepare?

Website owners can take several steps to prepare for this change and ensure that their website remains secure:

1. Make sure your website is using HTTPS encryption: If your website is not already using HTTPS encryption, now is the time to make the switch. HTTPS encryption is essential for protecting user data and is now a requirement for all websites.
2. Check that your SSL certificate is up-to-date: If you are already using HTTPS encryption, make sure that your SSL certificate is up-to-date and valid. An expired or invalid SSL certificate can result in browser warnings and can harm your website’s reputation.
3. Update your website content to reflect the new “https” label: If your website displays the lock icon or other outdated security indicators, update your content to reflect the new “https” label. This will help users understand that your website is secure and protect against confusion or mistrust.
4. Monitor your website for security issues: Regularly monitor your website for security issues such as malware or phishing attacks. This will help you detect and address security issues before they can harm your website or users.

In conclusion, Google’s decision to remove the lock icon from Chrome’s address bar is a significant change to website security indicators. While the change may take some getting used to, the “https” label is actually a more reliable and clear indicator of website security than the lock icon. By taking the steps outlined above, website owners can prepare for this change and ensure that their website remains secure for their users.

5. Consider upgrading to an EV SSL certificate: While regular SSL certificates will still display the “https” label, websites with Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates will display a green “https” label in Chrome. This provides an extra layer of trust and assurance for users, as EV certificates require more rigorous validation processes than regular SSL certificates.
6. Educate your users about website security: While the “https” label is a clear indicator of website security, not all users may understand its significance. Consider including information about website security and the importance of HTTPS encryption on your website, and encourage your users to take precautions when browsing the web.

Overall, Google’s decision to remove the lock icon from Chrome’s address bar is a positive step towards simplifying website security indicators and making them more user-friendly. By taking the steps outlined above, website owners can ensure that their website remains secure and trustworthy for their users.

It’s worth noting that this change only affects the way that Chrome displays website security indicators in the address bar. The lock icon will still be displayed on other web browsers and on other parts of the Chrome user interface, such as the security panel.

Final Thoughts About Google Chrome

Furthermore, Google’s decision to remove the lock icon is just one part of its ongoing efforts to improve website security in Chrome. Google has also been pushing for more websites to adopt HTTPS encryption, and has taken steps to discourage the use of insecure HTTP connections.

By removing the lock icon and emphasizing the “https” label, Google is helping to educate users about the importance of HTTPS encryption and making it easier for them to recognize secure websites. This can help to improve trust in the web and protect users from online threats.

In conclusion, while the removal of the lock icon may seem like a small change, it has important implications for website security and user trust. Website owners should take steps to prepare for this change and ensure that their website remains secure and trustworthy for their users. Ultimately, by working together to promote website security, we can create a safer and more reliable web for everyone.

In addition, it’s important to note that Google’s decision to remove the lock icon is part of a broader trend towards simplifying website security indicators. In the past, website security indicators have been complex and difficult for users to understand. By streamlining these indicators and making them more intuitive, Google is helping to make website security more accessible for everyone.

Conclusion For Google Chrome:

However, it’s important to keep in mind that website security is not just about the visual indicators displayed in the address bar. There are many other factors that contribute to website security, such as strong passwords, regular software updates, and secure coding practices. Website owners should take a holistic approach to security and ensure that their website is secure at every level.

Ultimately, the removal of the lock icon from Chrome’s address bar is a positive step towards improving website security and user trust. Website owners should take the necessary steps to ensure that their website remains secure, and users should be vigilant when browsing the web. By working together to promote website security, we can create a safer and more secure online environment for everyone.