Google will rank https sites higher in search results

Search engine Google will consider in its algorithm whether sites use tls as standard. Sites with https access get a higher spot in Google. With this, the search engine wants to encourage site managers to make their web pages more secure.

Google will consider tls as a ‘ranking signal’ in its search engine, the company says on its own blog. For now, the weighting of https access on a site is not heavy, but Google says that tls may weigh more in the future.

The search giant has already tested the weighting in recent months and saw positive results. Google has already stated that it would like to see all sites switch to https and Google services are therefore already secured via TLS. The search company recommends that sites use 2048-bit keys when implementing tls. Google says in the coming weeks it will publish tips to start using tls.

The move may have major implications for many sites. Traffic from Google is the most important or important source of visitors for many websites and a lower position in the search engine therefore results in a reduced number of visitors for many sites.