Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Chatting on the Plot => Topic started by: Dantheman on August 12, 2018, 12:52

Title: Site not secure
Post by: Dantheman on August 12, 2018, 12:52

For some reason my browser is say this site is not secure don't think it said this before, anyone else getting this?

Title: Re: Site not secure
Post by: Goosegirl on August 12, 2018, 14:10

Not me, but I seem to remember having this in the past with some sites I used on a regular basis which just disappeared for some reason. Have you had a recent update?

Title: Re: Site not secure
Post by: moose on August 12, 2018, 14:14

What browser are you using?
Firefox used to do this but seems to have stopped. It is simply that John does not see the need to get a certificate to use the https:// and uses http://. Here is a fuller explanation.

Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and the website that you are connected to. The 'S' at the end of HTTPS stands for 'Secure'. It means all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted. HTTPS is often used to protect highly confidential online transactions like online banking and online shopping order forms.

With no highly confidential transactions etc. happening on the site http:// is fine.

Title: Re: Site not secure
Post by: John on August 18, 2018, 23:40

As I understand it, the 'not secure' message is becoming standard on browsers where a site does not use the https protocol. Now, if you are buying something and passing over your credit card details then https is a very good idea. There is a small risk the bad guys will expend the money and effort to intercept the details and then use the card or bank login what have you.
There is no where on the site where you would give that sort of information - buying a book the money side is handled by PayPal so I do not have access to credit card info (which I don't want) for example.
Now to move to https for some sites is pointless - but to avoid frightening visitors from being scared by irrelevant warnings, they're doing so.
It's not as simple as just buying a security certificate - other things like every internal link need to be changed which is a fair old task.
I'm in discussions with my tech support chap over it. In the meantime, unless you're really worried someone may intercept the post you are about to share with the world... don't worry

Title: Re: Site not secure
Post by: Plot 1 Problems on August 19, 2018, 02:05

I'll chime in here with my oft repeated thoughts.

Treat your internet security as your responsibility. Use a modern browser like Firefox or Chrome. Use adblocking plugins (sorry John!) use script blocking plugins and use tracker blocking plugins.
Any website you really love and want to support offers a donation or merchandise system if you want to contribute actively, in this case I own nearly everyone of John's books!

Title: Re: Site not secure
Post by: Dantheman on August 19, 2018, 12:03

Ok great thanks.

Title: Re: Site not secure
Post by: John on August 19, 2018, 13:24

Quote from: Plot 1 Problems on August 19, 2018, 02:05

Any website you really love and want to support offers a donation or merchandise system if you want to contribute actively, in this case I own nearly everyone of John's books!

Thanks for buying our books - it is appreciated.