Is My Website Secure? Why HTTPS Matters and How to Protect Your Site

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my website secure?” or “Why doesn’t my site show the lock icon?”, you’re asking one of the most important questions in the digital age.
Security concerns aren’t just a problem for big corporations—every website needs to safeguard its visitors.

Insights from Iceberg Web Design and Xfive reveal that missing security certificates, outdated site software, and weak maintenance routines are leading causes of website vulnerabilities. These issues don’t just risk your data—they can cause browsers to display warning messages that scare away potential visitors before they even reach your content.

What Exactly Is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, a secure method for transferring information between a user’s browser and your website.
It works by using encryption technology (SSL/TLS) so that sensitive information, like passwords or payment details, can’t be intercepted during transmission.

When your website isn’t running on HTTPS:

• Browsers may flag your site as “Not Secure”.
• The familiar padlock symbol won’t appear in the address bar.
• Hackers could potentially steal unencrypted data.
• Google may push your site further down in search results.

The Most Common Website Security Weak Spots

1. No SSL Certificate Installed

Without an SSL certificate, your website can’t operate securely over HTTPS. Modern browsers actively warn users when a site is missing this protection.

What to Do:

• Ask your web host to enable SSL—it’s often free through Let’s Encrypt.
• Use a tool like Why No Padlock to spot mixed-content issues.

2. Outdated Plugins and Themes

Old or abandoned software is one of the easiest ways for attackers to get in. It’s a particular problem for WordPress and similar CMS platforms.

What to Do:

• Keep all themes, plugins, and your CMS up to date.
• Delete any extensions you no longer use.
• Only download from reputable sources.

3. Weak or Recycled Passwords

Even if your site uses HTTPS, poor password habits can hand attackers the keys to your admin panel.

What to Do:

• Create strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
• Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password.

How to Check Your Site’s Security Status

• Look for a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar.
• Test your domain with Qualys SSL Labs for a full encryption report.
• Visit your site in Chrome—if it says “Not Secure”, you need to take action immediately.

Why This Matters

Protects Your Visitors: Encryption prevents private information from being stolen.

Builds Trust: A secure website reassures visitors they can interact with your site safely.

Boosts SEO: Google favors HTTPS sites in search rankings.

Avoids Disasters: A hacked site can lose credibility, customers, and income overnight.

Final Word

Website security is not an afterthought—it’s a foundation. By enabling HTTPS, keeping your software up to date, and using strong authentication, you protect not only your visitors but also your business reputation.

If your site still lacks the lock icon, make fixing it your top priority today. Security isn’t just about avoiding hacks—it’s about earning trust and staying competitive online.