Not Secure Warning: What Does It Mean?

Are you automatically redirected to the http version rather than the https version of your website, and does it display a Not Secure message as soon as you open it?

“Not Secure” warnings indicate an insecure HTTPS connection, threatening site integrity and privacy. Choosing a WordPress Hosting service equipped to handle this issue is crucial. Select a WordPress host that provides SSL certificates to ensure secure data transmission between your website address bar and your users’ browsers such as Google Chrome.

SSL provides a level of trust to the user and plays a positive role in search engine ranking. Ensuring your website is hosted securely is essential to minimize cyber-attack risk.

Choosing a wordpress website hosting provider that promotes secure browsing is essential to ensuring the security and usability of your WordPress website.

This article aims to explain what “Not Secure” means and offer best practices for protecting your website.

“Not Secure” Warning: Overview 

“Not Secure” sites lack SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates. Install an SSL certificate uses encryption to maintain secure connections between servers and browsers. By encrypting the data, hackers cannot obtain sensitive information when the data is being transferred between a server and a browser. SSL certificates are a must-have for any e-commerce site that collects sensitive information, for example, payment information such as credit card.

Best Practices to Address ‘Not Secure Warning’ on Website

Implementation of SSL Encryption

Adding SSL encryption to your WordPress site is critical to eliminating the “Not Secure” warning. Using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), you can ensure the site security of data transmission between your web page and your users. As a result, the data is encrypted, making it impossible to eavesdrop or tamper with during transmission. 

When SSL is properly integrated, personal and confidential information, such as login credentials, remains safe. A hosting provider such as WeWP usually offers SSL certificates, which not only the warning but also build trust with users through the secure “https://” protocol.

Also Read : How to Solve the Invalid SSL/TLS Certificate Issue

Choosing a Reputable Web Hosting Company

Choosing a web hosting provider is an important decision that influences your WordPress site’s overall security. An experienced host invests in cutting-edge site security infrastructure, including firewalls, anti-intrusion software, and regular software updates. Ensure potential hosts are trustworthy and reliable while considering their ability to resolve security incidents. Choosing a hosting provider like WeWP brings in an SSL certificate that offers robust security and protects your website against vulnerabilities.

Making Your Website HTTPS-Compliant

When you have obtained and configured your SSL certificate, ensure all your website’s links use HTTPS instead of HTTP. A link includes an internal link, an external link, or any embedded content, such as an image or video.

Maintaining your website’s links is essential for a positive browsing experience for your visitors. Failing to update these links, you may encounter mixed content warnings, affecting your website’s security since some elements may be loaded over insecure sites connections.

Keeping WordPress and Plugins Up to Date

The core of WordPress and installed plugins should be updated regularly to ensure a secure website. As the weaknesses in outdated software are vulnerable to hackers, they pose a serious security risk. 

Maintain compatibility with your WordPress version and plugins by enabling automatic updates whenever possible and conducting regular checks for compatibility issues. This will ensure you can access all the latest features and security patches. Keeping your WordPress site up-to-date prevents security threats from emerging.

Creating Robust Passwords

It is essential to configure strong passwords before you can strengthen the security of your WordPress website. Ensure that your WordPress admin login, database, and hosting login have unique passwords containing uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. By avoiding common defaults, such as ‘admin’, you can prevent malicious attacks. Password policies enforce strict password policies, safeguarding sensitive information and reducing the possibility of unauthorized access.

Backing Up Your Website Regularly

It is essential to back up your website regularly as a proactive step in ensuring its security. It is critical to keep recent backups in case of a data breach or loss to ensure a rapid and efficient recovery. Consider utilizing a reliable backup solution, scheduling automated backups, and storing them offsite or in the cloud. The regular backup of a website is an essential component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, as it protects against unexpected events.

Also Read : 5 Reasons Why Having an Automatic Backup for a Website is Important

Performing Periodic Security Audits

The fundamental practice of auditing security periodically helps identify vulnerabilities and address them. Plugins or external services are good for scanning for malware, checking files for integrity, and checking permissions. Performing scheduled security audits is an effective strategy for maintaining a proactive security posture and preventing cyber attacks on your WordPress site. Vulnerabilities must be quickly addressed to minimize potential risks and enhance security posture.

Test Your Security Measures

Analyze your safety protocol to identify any possible gaps in your protection measures. Tests should be conducted at specific intervals to determine whether any risks exist. While your tools and services offer security, you should always perform a manual inspection to ensure there are no mistakes.

Importance of Addressing the “Not Secure” Warning Error

Gaining the Trust of Users

The “Not Secure” warning impacts your website’s aesthetics and user experience. As online security becomes increasingly essential, users may hesitate to share sensitive information on insecure websites. Taking steps to address this warning can foster user confidence and help to engage them.

Implications for SEO

Search engines need to rank secure websites highly. Leaving the “Not Secure” warning unattended can result in a lower search engine ranking and less organic traffic. Adding security measures to your website, including SSL encryption, can positively impact its search engine optimization (SEO).

Defending Yourself Against Cyber Threats

You may see a “Not Secure” warning on your website if it lacks encryption, making it vulnerable to cyber-attacks. When security measures are inadequate, manipulating and intercepting data becomes a danger. You should address this error proactively to safeguard sensitive data, maintain online security, and keep your website safe from cyberattacks.

Conclusion

A warning “not secure” can be a great way for website owners to establish their reputation while providing top-notch security. If you have difficulty with current website hosting services, WeWP is a top-class website hosting company that offers top-of-the-town managed hosting services.

Whether starting out on a new business or redesigning the website, we are your ultimate choice for cutting-edge WordPress hosting services. Our hosting services give businesses a stage to capitalize on business growth. Contact us today to choose from secure WordPress hosting packages.