Friday, January 1, 2021 at 11:11 AM - Response #8
Hi Sandy, it's a real problem with no foreseeable resolution. This was John Ralph's response to me a few months ago. He is one of CC's expert 'mentors' who is also a class administrator. You can post a question to him for further discussion: Class Creator is planning (someday) to do something about the lack of security shown by browsers. In fact, a couple weeks ago there was a new option to add security for your domain name in the admin functions list - but it's gone now. Back in 2019 when the browsers began to show "Not Secure" warnings, I posted this explanation for all to read. Since then, I have not had any questions. 10/30/2019 New Browser Warnings The newest versions of internet browsers (like Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc) have been changed to encourage users to use 'secure' network links - which start with https instead of http, and warn the user if the page they are viewing is 'not secure'. Different browsers display the "Not Secure" notice in different ways, but any version of "Not Secure" may concern those who see it. First, the the word "Secure" really means that network traffic between the web site and the browser you're using to access the web site is encrypted using an https/SSL connection. Using https (which only works where the web site is configured to handle it), really means that encryption is being used to stop someone else out there in the network (or in the coffee shop where you might be using their free wi-fi) from watching what you send and receive. There are three conditions you'll see as you access our web site: (1) There are pages on our web site which are open to 'everyone' and should never contain personal info - such as jokes, funny stories, and even the basic home page - none of which should need to be 'secure'. The basic home page will not contain personal information, and you might notice that the home page changes after you log in to display much more - like the Where We Live box, Birthday box, Announcements set to "Logged in Only", etc. (2) There are pages like the Login screen, updating your Contact Information, or creating/reading a Private message, all of which may contain personal information and should be secure - and they are. Our web site automatically switches to an encrypted connection when you're on those pages. (3) Other pages such as member profiles (and other pages we choose to restrict - like the Message Forum, Recent Activity, or the full class list of names) which could contain personal info can only be seen by registered and verified members who are logged in. Access to those pages is not encrypted, but... access is only available to logged in members. Outsiders (and search engines) are denied access and asked to log in if they try to view them. Our web site has a combination of (1) 'open' pages like 50's Flashbacks and Just For Laughs, (2) pages where the system encrypts any network traffic while on those pages, and (3) pages that can only be seen by registered and logged in classmates. Despite the browser warnings, our site - and your personal data - is secure where it needs to be. John
|