Google warns that Checking If The Site Connection Is Secure CDN Interstitials Are Not Search Engine Friendly

According to Google, the interstitials that check the site connection’s security on Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are not considered search engine friendly. This statement suggests that websites that use these interstitials too frequently may face search-related issues, as the overuse of these prompts could affect their search rankings.

Gary Illyes of Google has stated that those interstitials which are seen on some websites indicating that the site connection is secure are the “last search-friendly things you can do.” The feature is utilized by CloudFlare and other content delivery networks (CDNs) to prevent spammy bots from affecting a website’s server. These interstitials can be seen on various websites, including ChatGPT, and it is used to confirm that a user is not a bot before they can access the content or page.

It is possible to configure the settings for the prompt in CloudFlare to manage the strictness of the validation message, and it is advisable to avoid displaying it whenever possible. In cases where a website is being hit by spammy bots, it may be necessary to temporarily block these bots and their IP addresses, but most of the time, it is not necessary to turn on the prompt at all.

The interstitial message is vital in terms of security and preventing spammers from gaining access to a website. However, Google’s statement suggests that websites that use the prompt too frequently may experience search-related issues. The statement by Illyes emphasizes the importance of balancing security and accessibility, as too many prompts could affect a website’s ranking in search results.

In conclusion, it is recommended that website owners should use the interstitial message sparingly and only when necessary, to prevent spammy bots from damaging the server. With the latest statement from Google’s Gary Illyes, it is clear that overuse of these interstitials could harm a website’s search rankings. Therefore, website owners should take the necessary steps to ensure their website is secure while also maintaining accessibility for users.

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