Making The Switch from HTTP to HTTPS

Making The Switch from HTTP to HTTPS

Making The Switch from HTTP to HTTPS

If your donation page is still using HTTP, your donors’ information is not secure. It’s time to switch to HTTPS.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol, or HTTP, is a protocol that defines the format and transmission of messages, as well as the actions required of web servers and browsers in response to commands. When you type a URL into your browser, an HTTP command tells the web server to retrieve and show the requested website. Without security, it is possible for someone to steal the data shared between the user and the server.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, or HTTPS, includes an encryption within the communication between the browser and the website. If someone were to steal the information found on a server with HTTPS, the data would be unrecognizable. A secure website–especially donation page–is important for nonprofits. Donors like to know that when they fill out their credit card information, email address, or other personal data, the information will stay on their computer and the web server.

As of January 2017, Google Chrome has added a lock icon and the word ‘Secure’ in the address bar for all pages using HTTPS. This is the beginning of their gradual change to begin showing Chrome users how secure the pages they visit are. In October, Chrome will take the next step: All pages in incognito mode and HTTP pages that require information input will be marked as ‘Not Secure.’ Eventually, all HTTP servers in Chrome will be marked as ‘Not Secure’ in red with a warning triangle in the address bar.

Keep in mind that switching from HTTP to HTTPS counts as a site move. This means that your site will experience a temporary drop in traffic, and your ads will not show until Google officially recognizes the new site.

If your website is still using an HTTP server, ask your web developer to switch to HTTPS. Or, click here to see a step-by-step guide to switching to HTTPS.

If you have any questions about your website’s server or your donation landing page, contact us. We’re happy to help!

By: Katie Kelderman, Social Media Strategist