HTTP is the protocol through which data is sent between your browser and the website that you’re accessing. HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure, and it is essentially the secure version of HTTP, with the ‘S’ standing for ‘Secure.’
It ensures that your browser’s communications with the website are encrypted to protect sensitive and confidential information—like financial information for online banking and shopping.
HTTPS is installed by acquiring an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) Certificate.
When HTTPS is installed on a website, most browsers will indicate this by displaying a green padlock in the address bar to let you know.
SSL and TLS
SSL certificates are a way to provide encrypted security to the web. It involves the use of cryptographic protocols and a trusted third-party certificate authority to provide privacy to users.
When you request an HTTPS connection from your browser, the website will send its SSL certificate which contains the public key. This key will be used to initiate an ‘SSL handshake’ to establish a secure connection between the browser and the website.
Reasons to Make the Switch
Encryption
All data sent over an HTTP connection is in plain text, which means that any intercepted messages can be read easily by any hacker. HTTPS encrypts all this data so that even if a hacker were to intercept the transmission, they would not be able to decrypt this information and get access to, say your social security number or credit card number.
Tamper-Proof
Data transferred over HTTPS cannot be corrupted or altered in any way without anyone knowing. This protects the integrity of the data and ensures that the information remains intact.
Builds Trust
By adding this extra layer of security, your users can rest assured that they know who they are providing their data to, and that encourages repeat business.
Improves Google Ranking
Google has also listed HTTPS officially as a ranking signal for its search results page.
Sold! What Now?
There are many different options available for those looking to buy an SSL certificate, from the very low-cost RapidSSL to the more costly Geotrust. Canadian Web Hosting offers a wide variety of SSL Certificates.
Feel free to contact us to inquire about free, temporary SSL certificates or you can even try installing your own self-signed SSL.
And that’s it! You can now rest assured that the traffic on your site is secure, and your customers protected.
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