SameSite & Act-On HTTPS changes FAQ

Q: When are specific things happening?

A: There are several things happening inside Act-On and externally. Please see timeline noted below:

• 2/18/2020 Google Chrome starts SameSite Cookie Changes
• 2/21/2020 Act-On to make all accounts operate in https
• 2/21/2020 Act-On changes all accounts to have content created with secure links (https through an SSL certificate)
• 2/21/2020 Act-On Changes Beacon to SameSite mode
• 2/23/2020 Google Chrome expands Cookie Changes

Q: Do I need to do anything for my Act-On instance(s)?

A: Unless we specifically reach out to you through the Act-On application, there should be nothing additional you need to do for your instance.   The same is true for those of you with multiple instances. 

Q: Does the SSL cert cost anything?

A: No, this is a free service that Act-On provides for all accounts. Once set up, the cert will automatically renew.

Q: If my site is https and my Act-On instance looks good, do I need to worry?

A: No, in that case you should be all set.  If you have any links or embedded links that are hard-coded as http, you may receive mixed content warnings on those pages. To resolve, convert these to https. 

Q: There are http links I cannot control in my content, will I be okay?

A: Yes, for the time being.  If you have any links or embedded links that are hard-coded as http, you may receive mixed content warnings on those pages. To resolve, convert these to https. 

One of the reasons we have made sweeping changes within Act-On is to prepare for the future when Chrome and other browsers reject anything unsecure (http).

Q: What if I don’t use Chrome?

A: Some of these changes affect you personally when using the platform, but many are about the content you create and your users’ view. 70% of the market uses a Chromium browser, and it’s the users’ browser that is impacted.

Q: Will the SameSite cookie attributes change my contacts history or timelines?

A: No. However, known visitors may convert back into unknown visitors until they click a link through an email or fill out a form and are re-cookied. All of their activity that occurs during the unknown period will eventually be attributed to them once they are re-identified.

Q: Does the Act-On marketing domain that is set up for accounts by default already have an SSL certificate?

A: As of 2/21/2020, all active Act-On accounts have SSL certs applied to them and any new accounts created after this date will also have default SSL certs applied to them.