Frequently I am asked about the difference between an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) website URL and if it is needed. The short answer is YES! A secure website through an SSL certificate is a great investment for your website security and Search Engine Optimization. An HTTPS protects the integrity of your website and means all communication with this website will be encrypted.
HTTP is the protocol through which data is passed between a web browser, such as Firefox or Chrome, and a website. The S in HTTPS means “Secure” as on the website has a secure connection. HTTPS lets visitors know that a website protects all communications and information while they are on the website.
Benefits of HTTPS
- Maximize the security of data and transactions on the web.
- Encrypt visitors sensitive or confidential information.
- Turn your visitors into potential customers/ patients with trust.
- Increases ROI.
- Improve Search Engine Ranking.
- Avoid ‘Not Secure’ warning in browsers.
Secure websites are not only for large businesses. Gone are the days when SSL certificates (required in turning your website URL from HTTP to HTTPS) were considered to be a luxury and only for large businesses. Hackers are always lurking to deface/obtain data from any website and securing a website is the norm now. This is because an SSL certificate accomplishes two of the most significant requirements from the security point of view- Authentication and Encryption.
Some hosting plans include an SSL certificate which you manually have to add and some is an extra cost. We can help you add an SSL certificate through your host provider and check your website after the SSL is added. Once your website has an SSL certificate, we review each page of your website and update any links that are not secure such as images and PDFs. It is money well spent!