If you are the owner of a website or are planning to build one, you may have seen the acronym HTTPS. But what exactly is HTTPS and why is it so important to keep your website safe? Let's learn about it in simple words.

 

What Is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It's the secure version of HTTP, the basic mechanism by which your website communicates with visitors. The "S" tells us it's secure.

If your website uses HTTPS, it encrypts information being passed between your site and the visitor's browser. It does this through an SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer).

You can tell if a page is using HTTPS by looking at the website address. If it starts with https:// and includes a lock symbol, then it is a secure webpage.

 

Why Is HTTPS So Necessary?

The following are some simple reasons why HTTPS is so necessary to your website:

1. Protects User Data

When a user visits your site, they might share personal data like names, emails, passwords, or payment information. All this information is encrypted by HTTPS. This implies that nobody can see or intercept it during transportation from the user's computer to your site.

 

2. Builds Trust

Humans feel secure when they can identify the lock sign and HTTPS. It means that your website values data security and the confidentiality of users. A secure website helps in building a sense of trust between consumers and visitors.

 

3. Better SEO and Google Ranking

Google wants users to be secure on the internet. That is why it favors websites that employ HTTPS. Thus, if you want better SEO and more search engine traffic, employing HTTPS is advisable.

 

4. Enables Online Payments

If you run an online shop or accept payments, HTTPS is necessary. Without HTTPS, your website is not secure enough to handle credit card details or other payment details.

 

5. Avoids "Not Secure" Alerts

Websites like Chrome and Firefox show a "Not Secure" message if your site is not utilizing HTTPS. That warning will frighten visitors away. Using HTTPS eliminates that warning and your site will look professional and reputable.

 

How to Obtain HTTPS for Your Site?

To access HTTPS, you will need to have an SSL certificate. Most hosting providers offer free or paid SSL certificates. Your site, once installed in your server, will have HTTPS and the lock icon.

 

Conclusion

HTTPS isn't a nice-to-have — it's something that every website requires today. It makes websites more secure, builds trust, protects data, and improves your SEO. So, if you haven't already, secure your website with HTTPS today!