HTTP vs HTTPS recommended practices

[Erica C.]

Given that browsers are routinely giving "not secure site" warnings on HTTP pages, I have a few questions about security.

1. When creating a new site at FQ should I get a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate at the start and use only HTTPS, even if the site has nothing to do with commerce?

2. Is switching over existing sites a priority? Are there downsides other than the work/time involved? Like existing links to the sites no longer working? Older browsers having trouble with SSL?

3. Are there any special challenges in switching a Wordpress site?

In researching this I found these threads really useful.
https://futurequest.net/forums/showthread.php?t=27435
https://www.futurequest.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=27355

Thanks!
Erica

[Bob]

Originally Posted by Erica C.

1. When creating a new site at FQ should I get a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate at the start and use only HTTPS, even if the site has nothing to do with commerce?

Depends on who you belive:
https://www.nutsandboltsmedia.com/do...ally-need-ssl/
https://madtomatoes.com/guide-ssl-3-...ons-to-use-it/

Personally I believe that overall it is a good idea, you never know when Google will decide to take things a step further?

Originally Posted by Erica C.

2. Is switching over existing sites a priority? Are there downsides other than the work/time involved? Like existing links to the sites no longer working? Older browsers having trouble with SSL?

For priority and downsides see answer to #1

As far as Older Browsers, most everyone has upgraded due to the sheer number of sites that no longer work with older Browsers such as IE6...

Originally Posted by Erica C.

3. Are there any special challenges in switching a Wordpress site?

As with anything WordPress there are a number of ways to switch a WordPress site to SSL, including plugins. However in general you would need to change your Site URL from your Dashboard Settings and implement a .htaccess override, https://FutureQuest.net/forums/showt...152#post186152

-Bob

[Erica C.]

Thanks, Bob! As usual, your help is invaluable.