Google Search to penalize websites that don't use encryption:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2462680/ … picks=true

Would this apply to all sites, or just e-commerce?

It looks like they won't discriminate. There's a lot of sites that don't sell things but still have users pass data along that might be sensitive.

This will be ALL websites, not matter if you do not collect information. This is really geared to protect the user and the host, not just protect you.

Will SDrive be offering this option?

We will be converting soon.

Good to know.
I won't ask what SOON means!

While I understand the need for this move by Google and I think that it is a good one (based on the knowledge that I have), I must say that I get very frustrated with Google's ability to make rules forcing everyone to make changes while rarely -- if ever -- actually telling people the rules so that they know what they should do.

For example, if a site does not utilize a login system, then perhaps the SSL is not needed. Is the SSL needed if a person is simply filling out a contact form with no more personal info than a name and email? What about the blogger who never collects personal info via a form? Will that person be penalized just because they don't have an SSL? You just don't know. Therefore, everyone who wants to do well in Google has to now spend the extra money for the SSL cert. and for the programming to implement it.

Ok, that's my rant for now. On to the more important question:

When will Google be implementing it?

I look at it this way. Back in my time, the king made the rules and laws of the land, because he had the army, money, and power to do so. If you did not listen to these rules you were placed in the stocks or worse the dungeon.

This is mostly how Google is when it comes to SEO, granted they are not the only king in the world, but they are currently the most powerful. We can either adhere to their rules or revolt, just note that a revolt would be a bad idea.



This is not true, as I said this is for the user, host and yourself. I recommend watching this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBhZ6S0 … ls_en_post

It will help explain why all websites need HTTPS.



They already have, but are not taking a lot of points off at the moment, but that will increase as time goes by.

If Google ( and every host out there ) has decided that we should have https connections (SSL) then I think it aught to be provided as a BASIC service included with our hosting, and not an add on costing extra. Not that Google or anyone else will listen to little ol' me, but . . .

Well one thing I will say, that is one of the few "news rules" by Google that is very clear about, fairly affordable, and easy to implement. You can get a minimal SSL for less than 10 bucks per year, and a dedicated IP from $25-$40 per year. I think it is a matter of security becoming more important with WI-FI issues and such.