Why Does My WordPress Website Say Not Secure?

When a website states that it is not secure, you may be hesitant to visit it. So when your WordPress website says "not secure," you may become even more concerned. Knowing why you receive that message will assist you in resolving it so that you can run a secure website. "Why does my WordPress website say not secure?"

"There are numerous reasons why a WordPress website would claim to be insecure. The absence of an SSL (security) certificate is a common cause. Other possible causes include an expired SSL certificate, a lack of a security plugin, and a lack of specific required updates.

Why Does My WordPress Website Say Not Secure?

Google says your WordPress website is not secure because it lacks an SSL certificate or has an SSL certificate that is improperly configured. Installing an SSL certificate is the simplest way to resolve this Chrome error.

Why is it important for your website to be secure?

Because of the internet's growth, many people can now create websites and showcase their work online. However, this expansion has also increased the possibility of security issues. Securing your website is more important than ever to protect it from hackers, spam, and other issues.

Furthermore, as the internet becomes more popular, many people expect security from their websites. Large-scale data breaches can affect millions of users, so securing your website is necessary. Even if your website is only for you, someone will find it, and it should be secure when that happens.

Because the problem is so widespread, Google has begun to penalize non-secure websites. When an unsecured site appears in search results, it will display a "Not secure" label, which may deter visitors from visiting your site. That's correct; even if you have the most engaging content online, a lack of security may turn off otherwise eager visitors.

A secure website will put everyone at ease, whether you do most of your business online or want to show your work to friends and family. It's essential if you plan to accept payments through your website, as secure websites can encrypt payment information.

Why WordPress Says “Not Secure”?

The most common reason your WordPress site displays "not secure" is that you do not have a current SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. These certificates are responsible for encrypting your data across numerous websites. An SSL certificate is used by websites ranging from Google to Facebook to small businesses to protect data and the overall site.

If you've used an SSL certificate, the certificate may have expired. If you discover that you have a current certificate, your website may require some updates. WordPress updates occasionally include fixes for security issues, so you may need to update your site to resolve the issue.

Similarly, specific plugins may render your site insecure. If the error appears after you update or install a new plugin, that could be the source of the problem. To test this, uninstall the plugin and see if the problem goes away.

While these minor issues can occur, the most common cause is a problem with an SSL certificate. If your WordPress site says "not secure," make sure you have an SSL certificate, that it's active, and that it meets your requirements. You can thus protect yourself, your website, and your visitors from malicious activity.

No SSL Certificate

If you keep receiving "not secure" messages from your WordPress website, the most likely cause is that you do not have an SSL certificate. An SSL certificate is required to secure your website and protect its data. Of course, you should understand how to check for an SSL to see if you have one.

• Examine the bar on your browser where you type a URL or search.
• A padlock may appear next to the URL. Some browsers will also turn the padlock green, while others may turn it gray.
• That padlock is one way to tell if a site has an active SSL certificate. However, the absence of a padlock does not necessarily imply the absence of SSL.
• Another thing to look for when viewing a website is the URL's beginning. Previously, HTTP was the standard at the beginning of a URL.
• With the growing importance of security, another standard emerged: HTTPS.
• The extra "S" indicates that the site is secure.

If you don't see a padlock or if your website begins with HTTP, you most likely don't have an active SSL. Don't worry; anyone can obtain an SSL for their website. You can use the certificate to secure your website when you receive it.

How to Get an SSL Certificate?

It's time to get that SSL certificate now that you know your site doesn't have one, and you've decided what type you want. Unfortunately, SSL is not available anywhere. The kind you select can influence where you can get one.

• If you choose a free SSL, you will most likely be able to obtain one from your website hosting company. Log in to your hosting account to do so.
• You can then search your dashboard for SSL-related information. If you have any questions, please get in touch with your host.
• Then, apply for the SSL that you desire. You may have to wait for it to be approved. Once you have one, you can use it on your website.
• You may need to look outside of your hosting provider for paid SSLs. In this case, you should seek the assistance of a Certificate Authority. Following acceptance, these organizations will verify your information and issue your certificate.
• After you obtain an SSL, you can use it the same way you would a free one.

Obtaining even the most complicated SSL certificate does not have to be difficult. If you want to use a Certificate Authority, you can use RapidSSL or Symantec. Numerous other companies provide SSLs, so pick the one you feel comfortable with.

Final Thoughts

Nothing is more frightening in the internet world than seeing your WordPress website say "not secure." While this isn't always a significant concern, understanding why you know that message will help you decide what to do next. You can then consider getting a new SSL certificate and making your site more secure for you and your visitors.