Chrome’s HTTP Warning: Why the Delay Until 2026?
I’ll admit, I was surprised to learn that Google Chrome still doesn’t warn users before opening HTTP sites. As a Safari user, I’ve been seeing these warnings for years. What’s even more surprising is that Chrome won’t implement this change until October 2026 with the release of Chrome 154. That’s a long wait for a feature that feels like table stakes in 2025.
Sure, I still stumble across the occasional HTTP site — usually a local pizzeria menu — but 98% of websites in the U.S. already use HTTPS. With free SSL/TLS certificates available from providers like Let’s Encrypt, the remaining 2% really don’t have an excuse. So why delay protecting users from the risks of HTTP?
Why HTTP Is Dangerous
HTTP leaves all traffic in plain text. That means:
Login credentials, session cookies, and personal data can be intercepted.
Attackers can launch man‑in‑the‑middle (MITM) attacks, snooping on or altering communications.
Users may unknowingly expose sensitive information on unsecured networks, especially public Wi‑Fi.
In short: HTTP is a playground for attackers.
Why HTTPS Is Important
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) adds encryption and authentication to standard web traffic. It ensures that:
Data exchanged between your browser and the server is encrypted, making it unreadable to third parties.
The website’s identity is verified through a trusted certificate authority.
Users can trust that their connection hasn’t been tampered with in transit.
Beyond security, HTTPS also improves SEO rankings, enables modern browser features, and builds user trust — critical for e‑commerce and any site handling personal data.
But HTTPS Isn’t a Free Pass
Even with HTTPS, users should remain vigilant:
Check the URL carefully — attackers can mimic well‑known domains with subtle typos.
Look for a valid certificate — click the padlock to confirm it’s up‑to‑date and issued to the correct domain.
Be cautious on payment pages — if something looks off, don’t enter your details.
Watch for redirects — HTTPS doesn’t stop attackers from sending you to a malicious site.
HTTPS is the baseline for security, not the finish line.
Final Thought
It’s puzzling that Chrome is waiting until 2026 to roll out a feature Safari and other browsers have had for years. With nearly universal HTTPS adoption, there’s little reason to delay. Until then, users should stay alert: if you see “http://” instead of “https://,” think twice before entering sensitive information.
👉 At Actionable Security, you can request a FREE Attack Surface Snapshot to make sure HTTP — and other hidden vulnerabilities — aren’t lurking in your environment. Don’t wait until 2026 to find out where you’re exposed.
#HTTPSOrBust #EncryptEverything #NoExcuseHTTP
