Yandex is very careful about user security, so our services work exclusively on the secure HTTPS protocol. Compared to regular HTTP, it dramatically reduces risks:
- interception of user-sensitive data – for example, login, password or bank card number;
- Substitution of site content or adding third-party advertising;
- leakage of digital user identifiers – cookies, which can be used to target ads.
According to Yandex.Radar, among the 10,000 most popular Internet projects among Russians, more than 66% use the HTTPS protocol. At the same time, sites with a secure protocol account for about 80% of our search traffic.
We consider HTTPS one of the hallmarks of a quality site, and its absence is a risk to the user. Soon we will begin to actively warn site users about the use of an insecure protocol – in search, in the Browser and on other Yandex services.
Popular questions about moving to HTTPS
Does HTTPS affect ranking?
We try to take into account all the data we have regarding the quality of the site. Security is an important attribute of quality for the user, and one of the signs of a secure site is the use of the HTTPS protocol. Choosing a secure protocol, the site owner takes care of the security of user data, and this can be taken into account in the ranking.
Why do content sites move to HTTPS without authorization?
Using an insecure protocol may damage the content and appearance of your site. For example, on the side of the Internet service provider, ads on your site may be replaced by another. Additional blocks of advertising may also be inserted – you will not receive income from it, and the user’s perception of the site may deteriorate. Unfortunately, this happens quite often, so we recommend using HTTPS, including to owners of content sites.
Will I lose traffic when moving?
We know that many site owners fear losing traffic when moving. Our studies show that, following the recommendations, traffic to the site when moving to HTTPS is not lost.
How to check the quality of an HTTPS certificate from the point of view of Yandex?
In the “Diagnostics” section of the Webmaster there is a warning that the certificate is not configured. If there is no such warning for the main mirror of your site, you should not worry about this.
Does Yandex recommend setting up HSTS?
Yes, we recommend. After all, this reduces the delay for subsequent connections, as there is no redirect.
Will IKS remain upon transition to HTTPS?
Yes, the site quality index is transferred during the move, although the correct ICS value may not be displayed instantly.
Can I use free SSL certificates for HTTPS?
There are quite a few possibilities to connect to the HTTPS protocol for free. Which certificate to use: paid or free, – the site owner decides. Typically, the price depends on the complexity of encryption and additional services (for example, on the number of subdomains of the site).
Read how to transfer the site to HTTPS, read our instructions – we updated it and made it even more detailed. If after reading you still have questions, feel free to write to tech support or leave comments on this post – we will definitely answer.
Yandex team