Get All Access for $5/mo

Google's HTTPS Search Algorithm Update, Keeping User Data Safe Google is starting to factor HTTPS into its search results.

By Jason Fell

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Hackers. Stolen passwords. Money taken. Identity theft. Crashed websites.

Shall I go on? Web security, if you can't tell, is increasingly critical. And now Google says so, too.

The search giant will begin factoring a site's security in its site-ranking algorithm. In other words, if your site doesn't utilize the HTTPS secure, encrypted connection, then your site could turn up further down in Google's search results pages.

It's worth noting that Google is calling this a "lightweight" ranking signal right now, meaning that it's affecting fewer than 1 percent of queries worldwide. Publishing high-quality content is a more important signal to Google's algorithm.

Related: Every Move You Make, Every Step You Take, This Startup Will Be Watching You

"But over time, we may decide to strengthen it, because we'd like to encourage all website owners to switch from HTTP to HTTPS to keep everyone safe on the web," Google Webmaster Trends Analysts Zineb Ait Bahajji and Gary Illyes wrote in a post announcing the change. Additionally, they offered tips for how you can adopt the encrypted HTTPS connection.

Google talked about security and HTTPS at its Google I/O developer's conference earlier this summer. Here's the video:

Google has also enhanced encryption for Gmail in an effort to protect emails sent on the service from spying eyes -- namely the NSA. More recently, tech rival Yahoo said it was joining Google's initiative for more secure, hack-proof emails.

Related: Google Unveils Project Zero, an Elite Cybersecurity Squad to Fight Hackers

Jason Fell

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

Homeowners in These 10 States Pay the Most in 'Hidden' Upkeep Costs

Hidden home costs pile on top of mortgage payments.

Growing a Business

5 Books to Help You Motivate, Unify and Build Perspective

In a post-Covid world, check out these must-read books to help build a more resilient organization, create a modern work culture and maintain a powerful growth mindset.

Money & Finance

Avoid These 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make with Money

Despite the challenging statistic that only 5% of startups survive beyond five years, common financial pitfalls often contribute to their failure. Through personal observation, I've identified the prevalent financial mistakes made by entrepreneurs.

Growing a Business

How Visionary Leaders Transform Curiosity Into Groundbreaking Ideas

Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, discusses the spark that launched FoodieCon, his best practices for running popular food events, and why all business owners need to adapt to social media trends.

Making a Change

Learn All of Rosetta Stone's Languages for $152

A lifetime subscription is nearly $250 off for a limited time.