What is HTTPS? – Definition, Features, And Why Switch to HTTPS

Definition HTTPS(Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

HTTPS is an acronym of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is useful for secure communication over a computer network widely used on the internet. In HTTPS, the communication protocol gets encrypted using Transport Layer Security or, formerly, its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer.

Differences between the HTTP and HTTPS

The primary difference between the HTTP and HTTPS is the way the data travels. If you transfer data HTTP, it is accessible to anyone who intercepts the communication. Instead, the HTTPS protocol uses a secure connection using SSL encryption; therefore, data travels securely from one place to another.

How does SSL work

• The browser tries to connect to a site protected with SSL.
• The browser requests that the web server identify itself.
• The server sends a copy of your SSL certificate to the browser.
• The browser checks if the SSL certificate is trustworthy. If so, it sends a message to the server.
• The server returns a digitally signed acknowledgment to start an encrypted SSL session.
• The encrypted data get shared between the browser and also the server.

Also read: What is WPA? – Definition, Types, Uses, And More

What data does the SSL protocol protect?

 The set of data that is protected by the SSL encryption protocol includes:

• Registration information: name, address, email address, phone number
• Identification data: email address and password payment details: credit card number, bank account
• Registration forms
• Documents uploaded by clients
• The SSL certificate guarantees that communication cannot get read or manipulated and also that personal information will not fall into the wrong hands.

Why switch to HTTPS?

Google indicates several reasons to make the change to HTTPS in the guide they have on migration:

Data sent using HTTPS secures by the TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol, which offers three fundamental layers of protection:

Encryption

The encryption of the exchanged data keeps them safe from prying eyes. If the user is browsing a website, no one can listen to their conversations, and track their activities across multiple pages, or steal their information.

Data integrity

The data cannot be modified or damaged during the transfer, intentionally or not, without being detected.

Authentication

It shows that users communicate with the desired web page. Protects against attacks and builds user trust, which translates into more business benefits.

There are other benefits, too, including a boost in Google ranking. The SSL certificate will not only help you improve the positioning of your website, but will also help demonstrate to your users that your website is a safe place where they can share their personal information without risk. It provides greater confidence, for example, when your customers want to buy from your online store.

Does HTTPS improve SEO?

Security is an increasingly important issue, and Google has already supported this protocol. We use the internet every day, sharing increasingly sensitive data, and that is something that search engines take into account. Google considers https connection as the future and, therefore, can give it a priority in its rankings over websites with HTTP.

Also read: What is User Experience? – Definition, Usability, Elements, And More