Your Connection Is Not Secure : How To Fix
The security warning "your connection is not secure" has been a thorn on my flesh for a couple of days. Finally, I have resolved this issue!. On this post, I will be discussing one root causation of this security warning and the correlation with the Pretty Links plugin.
Google Security Update
Google released a security update in September 2016 titled moving towards a more secure web. They informed web users and webmasters that beginning from January 2017, they will mark HTTP pages that collect passwords or credit cards as non-secure. This was a part of their long-term plan to mark all HTTP sites as non- secure.
We are now in 2018. It is safe to conclude that this longterm plan has fully kicked in. The not secure warning is displayed by most web browsers (Google, IE, Firefox etc). If you are experiencing this security warning, one root causation is that some of your web pages are been loaded via HTTP.
Security Warning Correlation with HTTP
Taking a look at the image below. You can clearly see that the generated links are HTTP not HTTPS.
After incorporating these links into my SiteRubix website (Sample page), the security warning appears. See the image below
Besides the blurry picture, you can still see that the security warning is displayed. The web user is warned not to enter any sensitive information on this site. This security warning is due to the HTTP generated links via Pretty Links. However, I must stress that this is an unusual occurrence because in most cases the generated links from Pretty links are HTTPS.
Consequences for Online Business (Website) Owners
This issue presents a serious concern for website owners. It leads to an immediate lack of trust from visitors and could result in the following:
- Increased Cart Abandonment
- Increased Bounce Rate
- Poor Ranking
Problem Resolution
First make sure that your SSL is active (On).
You can convert all HTTP URL on your wordpress site to HTTPS using a plugin called Better Search Repalce.
(Install and Activate)
Add new plugin - Install and activate the Better Search Replace plugin
Click on Tools on your wordpress site
Click on Better Search Replace
Run the following Fixes
- Search for http
- Replace with https
- Select all tables (All should be highlighted)
- Uncheck the Run as dry run box
- Run Search/ Replace
After you have done . Run a second fix this time search for httpss and replace with https.The security warning will be removed and the secure connection green padlock icon displayed.
If your website does not display the secure connection green padlock icon. You could use WhyNoPadlock to analyse your URL to find out why.
I hope this helps anyone else experiencing this problem.
Recent Comments
45
Hi, Anthony.
Paul here from Canada.
Thank you sharing this information.
I checked my Pretty Links and found them to be in order.
They are all generated as https.
Not sure why this might be happening.
Paul.
Thanks for sharing Paul. The HTTPS generated links have no issues, It is just a weird occurrence that some links are generated via HTTP.
Let's wait and see.
If the problem is persistent and requires a solution, I'm sure we will all figure one out.
It's nice to hear from you again.
I trust that things are well.
Onward and upward.
Paul.
It must just be because of the Site Rubix domain. The Pretty Link domains on my own domain are https.
I used the Siterubix as an illustration. I experienced the same issue with my actual domains. I will have to check if there are different versions of the plugin. Links created via HTTPS are absolutely fine. Thanks for this insight
Thanks so much for your very timely post.
We had been considering installing the Pretty Links plugin but will now hold off on this until a fix can be found.
Colette and Philip
You guys should go ahead and install the pretty links plugin. As long as the created links are HTTPS you should be fine. I have updated the post. Cheers
I found 11 on my website and will make them https if possible
Here is how you can check and find out if you have http:// links in your Pretty links Lite plugin as a target link
Click on edit, check if the link is working with an s attached in the browser, if so, you can add the https
I didn't have complaints about it, I don't think so. I don't know what Google sees. There where 8 http:// links to WA. I made them before the SSL came through, and never thought about the Pretty links. I have them all with https now
If your web browser is displaying the secure connection green padlock icon, then you should have no worries. Best wishes
That's so helpful! I have had that happen with one of my posts and hadn't had a chance to look into it so that link will help a lot! Thank you!
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Hey Anthony,
Thanks for this information.
Tried and True
Elaine
No worries. Always a pleasure to see you. Thanks for stopping by