What is HTTPS?
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is used for secure communication over a computer network and is widely used on the Internet. The Principal Motivation for HTTPS is authentication of the accessed website and protection of the privacy and integrity of the exchanged data while in transit.
In simple terms, HTTPS protects your website and helps prevent intruders from tampering with the communications between your website and your user’s browser.
I Don’t Collect Sensitive Data Through My Website – Do I Still Need An SSL Certificate?
In the past, if your website did not collect sensitive data like credit card information or identity numbers, you would not necessarily have needed an SSL certificate. However, with the new browser notices, it is important to ensure that every website has an SSL Certificate and is loaded via HTTPS.
How Do I Know if My Website is Secure?
If you type in your website address and hit ‘Enter’, you should see either of the following:
HTTPS with a lock symbol means that your website is secure
HTTP (no S) and an unlock symbol means that your website is not secure
Besides the Obvious, Why Should my Site be Secure?
Besides the main fact that you should have a secure website, it also assists with Google Ranking. Google has announced that it will use HTTPS as a ranking signal in search. Therefore, if you wish to get a positive bump in search results, move over to HTTPS.
How Do I Get HTTPS?
If your website is hosted with an agency, then they should have you covered. If you are not sure, you can always contact a hosting company or a website design company. You can obtain an SSL certificate for you and get your website safe and secure! There are a range of varying certificates available depending on your needs.
Whichever way you might convert to HTTPS, the cost for the SSL Certificate is a small price to pay to increase your rank on Google and keep your website secure.