In October 2017, Google will begin marking all forms on websites not using an SSL certificate and the HTTPS protocol at the start of its URL as being “Not Secure” when viewed through its Chrome browser. If your website is currently secure, you will see a closed “lock” icon in the address bar. If not, a warning will soon be placed at the beginning of each form field and will include contact forms, mailing list forms, search boxes, and any other fields that collect information on your website.
Image from Google Security Blog
Google will eventually be marking all pages not secured with HTTPS in red with “Not Secure,” both onsite, and within search results. Firefox and other browsers are beginning to include similar warnings on payment forms and login pages.
Google already gives preference in its search results to websites using the secure HTTPS protocol. If you haven’t done so already, we recommend asking your web developer about installing an SSL certificate, securing your website assets, and converting to the HTTPS protocol. It’s the right thing to do for your business and your visitors.