SSL Certificates are becoming “a need to have”

In January 2017, Google and other browsers will begin flagging non-secure sites that accept passwords or payments with a security alert. Last night at NamesCon, Ken Stoddart from Symantec spoke about this important changes in his keynote: “The Google Chrome Effect: SSLs Will Radically Change Domains”.

Marcus Glaad, Head of Sales at Dotkeeper, got the opportunity to talk to Stoddart one-on-one.

Tell us about your presentation today!

-Today we wanted to educate the audience on some of the major browser changes that are happening as we speak, starting in January, which are driven by Chrome and Firefox. There are significant changes that are happening right now, starting with Chrome 56, that basically are enforcing encryption. Now, non https websites (websites without certificates) are going to be issued a warning symbol in the toolbar. What that means, is that they are *enforcing encryption*.

The reason for this change is to put additional layers of security intact to promote the idea of getting to a 100% encryption over the next couple of years, and to continue to build up on the infrastructure that we already have. There are also different types of search engine benefits of having security. So, we talked about this, why it is happening and also what to do to stay ahead and be protected in 2017.

What should the awareness for Corporates be regarding this? What do they need to know?

-From a Corporate perspective, I am guessing that many already are aware of this, as it is a critical component to their businesses already. But no 1 what they should be aware of is that, security protocols (ssl certificates), https, are becoming the standard. For years it has been *”nice to have”*, but now it is a *”need to have”*, and this will continue to develop.

The browsers are driving this change, and that is supporting this entire program. Symantec as a certification authorizer are only providing a solution to meet this new requirement.

What do you think, looking into 2017 and this changes, what will be the big outcome for website owners?

-The biggest outcome is safer experiences and more secure internet. And that is what we at Symantec wake up trying to accomplish everyday. It is also going to lead to that the whole landscape of being a certificate provider (like Symantec) is going to change, with the volume of certificates issued on a global basis. Just the fact that *this is now a requirement and a need to have… we are going to see this evolve.*

Everytime Google makes a change to their search algorithm we are going to see the demand for certificates increase.

I think the biggest thing even for corporates, is that it is no longer only the pages that require usernames, passwords or credit cards that need a certificate. It should also be the homepage because here is where you set the tone that security is important to you! And, as you move through pages they should all also show a level of security. For every website that is promoting a business or a product, consumer confidence needs to be at the forefront, and security is the best thing to get to that point as quickly as possible.

It is very exciting to be a part of this since this is the way of the future, and we are helping to build a safer digital ecosystem for the internet users. This is the trend and where the industry is going; SSL is going to be the standards.

More interviews and updates from NamesCon to follow.