Free: Assessment Does your website build trust with buyers and bring in revenue?

Score My Website
Close

Free: Assessment

Does your website build trust with buyers and bring in revenue?
Take this free 6 question assessment and learn how your website can start living up to its potential.
Score My Website
Katie Coelho

By Katie Coelho

Jan 14, 2019

Topics:

Web Design
Web Design

What the Government Shutdown Teaches Us About Website Security

Katie Coelho

By Katie Coelho

Jan 14, 2019

What the Government Shutdown Teaches Us About Website Security

Since December 22nd, the US government has been shutdown until agreement on the budget is reached.

This, of course, has impacts on many people across the U.S. who use government resources.

One thing that is often overlooked as a result of a government shutdown is websites - specifically the maintenance and updates, including security, of various U.S. government sites.

While the people who manage the government’s websites might not be working, and therefore can’t update the content on the sites, the bigger issue is SSL certificate renewals.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol used by a server and a browser when displaying a website. It ensures that all data between the two is encrypted (preventing data hacks, breaches etc.).

In the past two years, Google has made it very clear that having SSL enabled on sites is important for users and a factor on site rank.

More importantly, having a valid SSL certificate is the first line of defense against malicious actors or website hackers who are increasingly targeting government sites.

Unfortunately, with the government shutdown, this is a problem.

With the government in shutdown mode, some .gov sites are currently displaying notifications that no one is managing or updating the content, while others are simply not working because their SSL certificates expired right before or during the shutdown.

With security being more important than ever, what should we all learn from what’s happening with .gov sites right now?

First, Don’t Use These Sites Until They’re Updated

Netcraft has listed a few examples of government sites that are overdue for an SSL renewal, and while there’s not a ‘full list’ of sites that have issues, it’s safe to say any government website should be looked at with a careful eye before you submit personal information (if that’s what you need to do).

Once these site are updated, you should be able to access all files as necessary, and you’ll see this in your browser:

Screen Shot 2019-01-14 at 7.17.17 AM

This indicates that an SSL is set up and working (and you can safely use the site).

Set Early Reminders for SSL Renewal


Without being involved, it’s safe to say that the government sites that are having issues could have avoided this security blip if they set earlier renewal reminders for their SSL.

Though you might have payment on auto-renew, it’s still important (and your responsibility) to monitor necessary site updates. This can include SSL, domain renewals, and plugins.

It’s of course simpler if these all hit around the same time of the year, but regardless, set calendar reminders for a few weeks before each of these needs to renew.

Now Is The Time to Read Up On SSL


If you made it this far and you’re still saying “I don’t really get what SSL is,” I’m sure you’re not alone.

With data security more important than ever, and these government sites having issues with their SSL certificates, now is a great time to get up to speed.


Here are a few resources to get you headed in the right direction:

Free: Assessment

Does your website build trust with buyers and bring in revenue?
Take this free 6 question assessment and learn how your website can start living up to its potential.

Related Articles

Can I Use AI Tools To Build My New Website?

September 18, 2023
Vin Gaeta Vin Gaeta

What Is a 'Learning Center' and Why Does My Website Need One?

September 14, 2023
John Becker John Becker

How Much Does a Website Redesign Cost in 2023?

July 20, 2023
Vin Gaeta Vin Gaeta

Do You Need a New Website? Maybe Not

July 19, 2023
Vin Gaeta Vin Gaeta

14 Award-Winning Website Designs (& What They Did Right)

July 17, 2023
Christine Austin Christine Austin

What a New Self-Selection Tool for Your Website Will Cost

July 13, 2023
John Becker John Becker

9 Self-Selection Tools to Inspire Your Business Website

July 10, 2023
John Becker John Becker

Website Conversions in 2023 — STOP, START, KEEP

January 25, 2023
Vin Gaeta Vin Gaeta

8 of the Best Business Website Designs to Inspire You in 2023

November 17, 2022
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho

What Does a Great Inbound Marketing Website Look Like in 2023?

November 14, 2022
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho

Your 2023 Website Strategy Must Include These 6 Things

November 4, 2022
Mary Brown Mary Brown

4 Ways To Recession-proof Your Website In 2023

November 1, 2022
Marcus Sheridan Marcus Sheridan

Website Mastery: A better redesign process for your business website

November 1, 2022
John Becker John Becker

8 Best Content Management Systems for Digital Marketing in 2023

October 1, 2022
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho

12 Essential Tips for Improving Your Web Design in 2023

September 13, 2022
Christine Austin Christine Austin

23 of the Best Examples of Business Blog Design

May 30, 2022
Christine Austin Christine Austin

5 Prep Secrets for a Smoother, More Successful Website Project Plan (+ Infographic)

May 16, 2022
John Becker John Becker

Website Redesign Checklist: The 12 Crucial Steps You Need To Be Successful

February 22, 2022
Joe Rinaldi Joe Rinaldi

11 Pricing Page Examples for Business Websites (Updated for 2023)

January 18, 2022
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho

8 Crucial Elements Every Homepage Design Should Have [+Video]

January 15, 2022
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho

What Makes a Good Website Design? 7 Award-Winning Examples To Be Inspired By

December 18, 2021
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho

Google Shares New Tools to Audit Website User Experience

August 12, 2021
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho

New HubSpot CMS Hub Starter Tier Released for Growing Businesses

August 6, 2021
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho

Too many internal links in content can confuse Google about site structure

July 9, 2021
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho

Google July 2021 core update rolling out over next 2 weeks

July 2, 2021
Katie Coelho Katie Coelho