HTTPS or hypertext transfer protocol is a very great way using which users can encrypt information between a web server and a browser. This protects the users of the websites from middlemen who try to steal information that is being sent to the website like login information or credit card info. HTTPS connections have always been generally used for websites that have some sensitive information, but nowadays other sites are also switching to HTTPS lately. It is a very easy way to implement secure connections.
What are SSL certificates?
An SSL certificate can be defined as some data files that can be added to the server to achieve an encrypted and secure connection between the server and the browser. When it is installed, the users will be able to see a green padlock when they visit the website. It indicates that the site is secure. When HTTP is added with SSL, it becomes HTTPS.
Reasons to enable HTTPS
There are various reasons to enable HTTPS on the website, and it can be very beneficial in various ways.
- It provides a reliable status for users –
Almost everyone in the world now uses the internet and the common demand of everyone is safe surfing and browsing as it includes their accountability and information. For some years most of the eavesdropping and hacking incidents were mainly done online. So HTTPS was introduced which indicates that the website is a high-quality and secure website.
- It protects the integrity of a website –
HTTPS is an excellent way of protecting a website from faulty communications and intruders between a website server and the browsers of the users. Encryption helps in securing house information, private data of users and client information as well as ensures that the cybercriminals are not able to interrupt the data. It helps to present the online business or website as a legitimate and secure website. Some third-party institutions do hacking by injecting harmful and malicious ads by breaking the security of the website as well as the browser in the form of images, cookies, scripts, etc. These can occur from any internet connection. HTTPS protects the website as well as the browsers from these intrusions and also increases a website’s integrity.
- It is excellent for search and SEO rankings –
It is also now officially declared by Google that the websites having HTTPS/SSL enabled are going to get more priority over the websites that don’t have HTTPS. For example, if there are two websites with almost the same parameters then the website that has HTTPS enabled will be preferred over the other site by Google while analyzing analytics and rendering SEO. This ultimately will provide excellent rankings in Google search results for the website, and the business will also grow.
- HTTPS is not secure anymore by Google –
It is very important to get HTTPS enabled on a website for fixing the perceptible safe and secure encryption to external and internal information. Previously people were scared to give credit card information and other personal information online as countless phishing, and false activities took place on various websites. So now Google is encouraging them to switch to HTTPS and Chrome is now warning users that HTTP is not secure. HTTPS is much needed to run an attentive, tenable, and secured website. Google is also encouraging other store owners to enable HTTPS for a secure connection. Google may call out websites or companies that are not enabling HTTPS and are ignoring the safety of sensitive information of customers.
- It is also essential for mobile sites that are Google accelerated –
AMP or accelerated mobile page technology helps in making pages load fast and instantaneously on mobile phone browsers. Google is also indexing mobile pages as the majority of web traffic comes from mobile devices now. So Google may decide on search results also considering mobile websites. Load speed is also important for rankings, so websites that are AMP-enabled are more likely to rank better than non-AMP sites. But for fast page load AMP also needs HTTPS. Future benefits rely on HTTPS. So it is important to buy an SSL certificate to encrypt the mobile webpage traffic.
- It helps to get correct referrer data –
HTTPS is developed for a secure environment on the internet. When unencrypted pages come as traffic from SSL encrypted sites, the analytics render them as direct traffic and no referrer. Due to this, all referrer data is lost. So to avoid this, the websites should have SSL certificates. HTTPS/SSL certificate is very important for a website. It not only protects the website but also the users’ valuable information. Having a good SSL certificate can be very beneficial in the growth of the company or the website.
Written by: Mahendra Raulo
Mahendra Raulo, is the Managing Director at Aarav Infotech India Pvt. Ltd., a leading Web Design and Digital Marketing Company, Experienced in Marketing & Sales with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Strategic Planning, International Business, Business Development, and Customer Relationship Management.
