Recent studies show that more than half of the Internet is encrypted with HTTPS. You can distinguish between an HTTPS and non-HTTPS website by looking for the “S” in the site’s web address. Websites with HTTPS are given the “https” prefix, whereas their HTTP counterparts use the conventional “http” prefix.
In order for a website to use the HTTPS protocol, however, it must first obtain a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, which often takes time and sometimes even money. So, is HTTPS really worth it, or should you stick with HTTP for your website?
HTTPS: The Basics of How It Works
HTTPS uses encryption to create a secure connection between the user and the website he or she is visiting. With HTTPS, only the user can see the information displayed on the web page. Other users may intercept it, but because the information is encrypted, such breaches don’t pose a threat.
Setting up HTTPS typically requires the user to buy an SSL certificate, activate the certificate on his or her server, and update their site to use HTTPS. SSL certificates are given and sold by certificate providers (also known as certificate authorities).
Benefits of HTTPS
HTTPS offers several benefits worth noting, one of which is security for visitors. When a visitor sees the HTTPS in his or her browser, they’ll feel more confident knowing their personal information is protected from prying eyes.
Additionally, some websites may be required to use HTTPS, such as e-commerce sites and other properties that accept online payments from users. This is because payment processing companies make HTTPS a requirement for compliance. And failure to follow this requirement could get the site booted from its preferred payment processor, in which case it won’t be able to accept payment any longer.
Furthermore, Google stated back in 2014 that it was using HTTPS as a ranking signal. Basically, this means websites with the HTTPS protocol will rank higher than their counterparts. “…over the past few months we’ve been running tests taking into account whether sites use secure, encrypted connections as a signal in our search ranking algorithms,” wrote Google in a blog post.
Of course, HTTPS is a small and lightweight ranking signal that affects just 1% of all Google search queries. Nonetheless, it’s still an easy way to optimize your site for higher rankings.
HTTPS offers many benefits, but it’s not a requirement when running a website. You can maintain a successful web presence using the traditional HTTP protocol. Because of its impact on search rankings, however, webmasters should consider making the upgrade if they haven’t already.
