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What Are HTTP and HTTPS- A Short Guide to Choosing Between the Two

2021.06.02

In today’s modern times, with more people relying on the internet and entering their private information online, it’s crucial to maintain your security against unwanted access and potential hacks. For website owners, one way to stay away from online threats is to ensure your platform is well-protected from any potential attack in the first place.

 

Websites typically depend on HTTP and HTTPS to preserve their platform. However, the two solutions offer different security tactics—so it’s up to you what you prefer to choose in the end. When you learn to choose what’s best for your website, not only will you improve your platform’s security, but you can enhance your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy too!

 

Before anything else, you first need to learn what HTTP and HTTPS mean and what their difference is to help you make a better conclusion on what your site requires the most.

 

What is HTTP?

 

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) has been around since the birth of the World Wide Web. It works to convert data coming from various web servers, sending them over to corresponding browsers to allow online users to interact with web pages without issues.

 

What HTTP does is it allows the systems to connect in the same way that websites did in the early days when people learned to utilize HTTP. At present, you can still find a handful of platforms depending on HTTP.

 

However, if you’re concerned about your website’s security, HTTP isn’t well-versed in providing enough protection. As a result, anyone showing keen interest in your channel can access your information that goes through HTTP. It leads unauthorized users to modify your web content and possibly tamper with your data too!

 

What is HTTPS?

 

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) basically works the same way as an HTTP. However, it’s an advanced version due to the additional protection features it can provide. 

 

HTTPS serves to encode the information that passes through the server and the browser involved. Now, you don’t have to worry about cybercriminals taking over your website’s information, including your visitors’ data, because of the added layer of encryption you receive. In 2014, only eCommerce websites were accustomed to applying HTTPS to secure payment details, so it’s only until recently when more websites decided to improve their security. 

 

Besides, any user trying to gain access and potentially hacking your valuable data cannot get through HTTPS because it incorporates a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate. It creates a protected connection with a server and a browser and discourages unwanted users from stealing information from your platform.

 

HTTP Vs. HTTPS

 

When it comes to an HTTPS, it uses an SSL certificate that websites using HTTP don’t have. It’s necessary for your website to have an SSL certificate to safeguard your customers’ credit card details and other personal information—especially if you’re an eCommerce business.

 

Unlike HTTP, HTTPS offers a more vital element of protection in the form of transport layer security (TLS) protocol. With a TLS protocol, your website acquires better data integrity. That way, there’s no chance for online criminals to break through your defense and initiate a successful attack to steal all your data.

 

A TLS protocol also provides extra site authentication for security purposes. It is helpful for users to guide them in knowing if a website is real and that the information they’re sharing will go straight to the company’s database and not into the wrong hands.  

 

Conclusion

 

When you’re managing a website, it’s in your best interest to switch over to securing your website by implementing an HTTPS system. However, if you’re not handling an eCommerce platform, it’s understandable if you’d rather remain using HTTP, as switching to HTTPS does come with some more complex procedures. If you’re not sure which you need, then consulting with an expert is your best bet!

 

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