HTTPS is a secure version of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The ‘S’ means ‘Sure.’
It is a method to ensure secure communication between a user’s browser and a web server. It is often recognized by a green address bar or a padlock in the browser window, which indicates that the connection is secure.
Why do you need HTTPS?
Traditionally, HTTPS was used by eCommerce merchants or by anyone who accepted an online payment, to ensure that the payment details, of a more sensitive nature, were sent securely, preventing them from being stolen by hackers.
However, improving online security has become increasingly important in recent years, and Google has taken the lead so much that it has announced that HTTPS is a value that influences its ranking algorithm, which has accelerated the global change to HTTPS.
Therefore, HTTPS is something highly recommended for any business that wants to offer a safe experience to its visitors and wants to achieve a high ranking in Google, as well as facilitate safe operations through its website.
How does HTTPS work?
HyperText Transport Protocol based on one of two types of Encryption Protocols: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS). Many websites use an SSL certificate to encrypt communication.
Both TLS and SSL use an Asymmetric Public Key Infrastructure, in which a ‘public’ and a ‘private’ key are used to encrypt the data.
The private key is stored on the webserver while the public key is, as indicated by its name, in the public domain and is used to decode the encrypted data sent from the web server and vice versa.
When a browser initiates an HTTPS session with the web server, the server sends the public key to the browser, and an ‘SSL Handshake’ (greeting) is performed between the browser and the server. Once the secure connection has been initiated and accepted, the browser recognizes the link. It shows it as reliable, either through a green bar or a lock, depending on the type of SSL certificate used.
What are the benefits of HTTPS?
Greater confidence: HTTPS reaffirms to potential clients that your business is responsible and safe.
Greater transparency: potential customers can see that you are a real business and that you own the domain name.
Better conversion rates: customers are much more likely to complete a purchase if they see that the website is safe.
More traffic: HTTPS has been established as a ranking factor for Google, so using HTTPS can provide you with a better ranking than the less secure competition sites.
