HTTPS is the encrypted (secure) version of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is a set of rules that allows web browsers and servers to communicate and transfer information.
To enable HTTPS, a website needs an SSL/TLS certificate. This certificate verifies the identity of the website and establishes an encrypted network connection. This encryption process ensures that even if someone intercepts the data, they won’t be able to understand or use it.
When you visit a website via HTTPS, you’ll notice a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, indicating that the connection is secure. This means that any information you share with that website, such as personal details or credit card numbers, is transmitted in a secure manner.
In addition to data protection and security benefits, HTTPS also has SEO benefits.
In 2014, HTTPS officially became one of the ranking signals for Google. This means that HTTPS is a standard requirement for every modern website.