HTTP or HTTP ‘S’ – What Does the ‘S’ Stand For?
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) signifies that the connection between the browser and your website is secure, which is crucial when accessed in public or open network spaces. It is especially important for protecting sensitive customer communication, such as financial transactions, passwords, and personal information.
If you’re already considering why and how to obtain an SSL certificate for your website, here are some key points to consider. When data is encrypted using security protocols, it is protected from theft or decryption by malicious actors. Adding the ‘S’ to HTTP ensures that your connection is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certified, providing authenticated communication, secure transactions, and safeguarding customer data, thereby establishing trust. When you enter a website’s URL, such as searching for Twitter on Google, you’ll see a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar (green if it’s extended validation), indicating that the connection is secure.
This is where Google’s algorithm comes into play for SEO and search rankings. Since January 2017 (Chrome 56), Google has been labeling HTTP pages that collect passwords or credit card information as non-secure, while HTTPS sites are marked as secure. Many HTTP websites and brands experienced a decline in their Google rankings as Google favored HTTPS and encrypted sites. While implementing HTTPS may involve additional costs, it is essential to secure, authenticate, and establish trust in your business, making it a necessity in today’s landscape. If you’re wondering how to obtain an SSL certificate for your website, you can choose from the top 10 trusted SSL certificate providers in 2017. Besides SEO benefits, HTTPS helps maintain the integrity and security of your website interactions, ultimately improving the overall customer experience.
Why do your customers need a secure site?
Protection from stalkers or ISPs: HTTPS safeguards customers from unauthorized entities that may insert ads or tamper with their information feeds discreetly.
Protection of personal data: Customers seek protected sources online to ensure that their images, caches, and cookies are not exploited. HTTPS mitigates these intrusions, providing secure online transactions and building trust among customers.
Enhanced security for e-commerce: When dealing with e-commerce transactions, users feel confident sharing their confidential data on a site that is protected against cybercrime vulnerabilities. This fosters customer loyalty.
Positive word-of-mouth and brand equity: Providing a secure website experience leads to word-of-mouth publicity among customers’ peers, potentially attracting new customers or clients.
In conclusion, HTTPS is the future of web interactions. As e-commerce, mobile browsing, and payment gateways continue to grow, the need for HTTPS becomes inevitable. Customers expect their information to be secure, and implementing HTTPS not only meets their expectations but also helps build loyal customers and brand equity for your company.