Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and the website that you are connected to.
It means that all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted, and therefore secure.
HTTPS is typically used to protect highly confidential online transactions, such as online banking and online shopping order forms, but in the age of GDPR and higher expectations of users regarding the protection of personal data, there is increasing pressure for all sites to move to HTTPS.
How does HTTPS work?
HTTPS, unlike HTTP, offers an extra layer of security as it uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to move its data. HTTPS websites provide three layers of protection to user data: data encryption, data integrity and authentication. Encryption ensures the data is safe even if there is an interceptor, whereas authentication ensures there is no middle man between e-retailers and customers. Data integrity ensures that no corruptions take place in the data and preserves its integrity. HTTPS can also act as powerful cyber-attack shield as it is SSL protected.
Additional Security
Security is now a top concern for internet users. As the number of cyber-attacks on e commerce sites increases, along with the number of users accessing these sites, switching to HTTPS is a no brainer for e commerce and shopping sites. HTTPS raises the bar of web security and so reduces the possibilities of users becoming a victim of hacking.
Web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome now display a padlock icon in the address bar to visually indicate that a HTTPS connection is in effect, providing reassurance to users and, in the process, increasing trust and enhancing brand loyalty.
Search Engine Optimisation
The security benefits of the transformation from HTTP to HTTPS are clear, particularly for online retailers and e commerce sites. However, the benefits of switching to HTTPS can extend beyond security to the business as a whole, making it a preferable option for all websites.
Browsers now prioritise HTTPS websites in search engine results, compared with HTTP sites and e commerce sites can certainly attain better organic search results by making the switch.
How to switch to HTTPS
Switching to HTTPS is simple, if you have the technical know-how. Firstly, a SSL certificate should be purchased and installed on the website’s hosting account. Every website link should be then changed to HTTPS from HTTP to avoid any broken links once you’ve made the change. 301 redirects should be set up from HTTP to HTTPS to keep the search engines happy and to redirect anyone who has bookmarked one of your pages.
If you don’t fancy attempting this in house, we can take care of it all on your behalf.
Contact us to find out more.