Secure websites to be prioritised in Google search
Google has announced that it is going to give preference to secure websites in its search rankings. It has trialled highlighting secure pages in search results and will now roll it out across its algorithms.
“We’ve seen positive results, so we’re starting to use HTTPS as a ranking signal,” Google announced.
This decision could encourage more sites to apply encryption to their sites which makes them less vulnerable to hacking. Secure sites show a little padlock and use a web address beginning HTTPS, the “S” standing for secure.
“Previously organisations have shied away from encryption due to cost concerns or fears of slowing website response times,” said Jason Hart, of the data protection consultancy SafeNet. But there are now high-speed encryption technologies available that mean cost and speed need no longer be an issue.”
“Every company wants to rank favourably on Google, so it’s in their best interest to ensure web pages are encrypted.”
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Source: BBC