Google Chrome Update to Force Unsecure Content to HTTPS

If you’re one of the last remaining site owners who haven’t moved to https:// yet, an important date is coming up that may just be the push you need to get this long-overdue task completed.

The next update for Google Chrome, the world’s most widely used web browser, is set to be released on April 7, 2020, and will be version 81. This update will automatically force content from http:// to https://.

What does this mean? The simplest example I can give is this – if you have images located at http://www.yourstore.com/image-1.jpg BUT your site does not use https://, Google Chrome will force that image to load from https://www.yourstore.com/image-1.jpg and display it as broken.

Additionally, any scripts that are still being called via http:// will also break.

There are still several eCommerce store owners, bloggers, and website owners who have not yet moved to https:// despite this being available for quite some time now. If you’re one of them, when this new release is pushed out, your site may break!

As it stands now, Google Chrome will load mixed content (http and https), but will show a warning. This will no longer be the case come April 7th. Another change that accompanies this involved the secure lock in the browser’s Omnibox – it will no longer display the “Not secure” text warning for sites that have mixed content.

An example of what a visitor will see in their web browsers URL search box when visiting an unsecure website.

Now you may be saying to yourself, this is horrible news!

It’s not. By forcing website owners to secure their sites this makes for a better overall web experience.  For eCommerce store owners, this update works to further instill confidence by letting your shoppers know their transactions with you are safe.

So what do I need to do?

If you ‘re an eCommerce store owner and have not updated your site to https:// you need to do it ASAP. If you’re a BigCommerce or Shopify customer, chances are you’re good to go. We are still encountering Yahoo! Stores that have not moved to https:// so we feel these will be impacted the most. Follow the instructions, as well as more information on this process, here.

If you’re an eCommerce store owner and have updated your site to https:// and are unsure if you’re site is serving up mixed content or not, we have a free tool you can use to find out. Even if you have migrated to https:// you may still have old scripts or files that are being called via http:// that need to be updated.

If you have a non-eCommerce website or blog you’re not immune.  This update applies to ALL websites.  Your web hosting or blog platform provider may provide you with instructions on how to update these sites.  The free tool we have can also be used to test these types of sites.

Can you help? Absolutely!
If you need help migrating to https:// or fixing mixed content issues, we’re here to help. Simply provide us with some basic information in the form below and we’ll work with you to make sure you’re ready for April 7th.

 

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