HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, a protocol used for transmitting data between a web browser and a website.
HTTPS is crucial for protecting the integrity and confidentiality of your users’ data. If you notice that you no longer see HTTPS in your browser’s address bar, this could have several causes and implications.
We explain how this can happen and what you need to do to resolve this issue quickly!
Causes why you no longer see HTTPS
1. Your website does not use an SSL certificate
The most obvious reason is that your website does not have an SSL certificate installed or that the certificate has expired. Without this certificate, the website cannot establish a secure HTTPS connection. As a result … a website without SSL.
2. Custom browser updates
Some browsers have updated their user interface to focus on insecure connections rather than secure ones. This means they may no longer explicitly show “HTTPS” in the address bar for secure sites, but warn “Not secure” for unsecured connections.
Read: how to recognise an HTTPS connection in the browser
3. There is partially insecure content online
Your website’s page may load via HTTPS, but it may contain resources (such as images, scripts or stylesheets) that are linked to an unsecured HTTP connection . This may cause browsers to mark your page as “not fully secure”.
4. Problems with your network and/or software
Sometimes, network configurations, antivirus software, or VPN services can cause mutual problems in terms of HTTPS connections. This may result in the connection reverting to HTTP or the secure connection not displaying correctly.
How to restore the HTTPS connection?
1. Check your SSL certificate
If you are the owner of the website, make sure you have a valid SSL certificate installed and that it has not expired. Use online tools such as SSL Labs’ SSL Test to check the configuration of your certificate.
2. Update your Browser
Make sure you are using the latest version of your browser. Browser developers regularly release updates that not only add new features but also address security issues.
3. Avoid partially insecure content
Make sure all resources on your pages are loaded via HTTPS. Visitors to websites with partially insecure content (‘mixed content’), will otherwise not trust your website.
Read: how to tackle mixed content on your website.
4. Check network settings and software
Check your network configurations and the settings of your antivirus software or VPN. Make sure these do not block or interfere with HTTPS connections.
You don’t see HTTPS: conclusion
Not seeing HTTPS in the address bar could indicate a problem with the security of the website you are visiting or with your browser.
Don’t let this pass, as HTTPS plays a vital role in protecting (your) online data. By following the steps above, you will not only create a secure website, but also a more secure internet.