Skip to content
English
Submit Ticket
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

SSL vs. HTTPS

What is SSL?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol used to secure communication between a web server and a web browser. It ensures that data transferred between the server and users is encrypted, preventing it from being intercepted by third parties.

SSL was originally developed by Netscape in the 1990s and has now been replaced by the more modern TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol. Many people still use the term SSL to describe the entire encryption system, even though TLS is now the more commonly used technology.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of the standard HTTP protocol. HTTP is the basic protocol used for communication between web browsers and servers. While HTTP doesn’t provide encryption, HTTPS ensures that all data sent between the browser and server is encrypted.

This encryption is done through SSL or TLS. When you visit a website with HTTPS, you know that the communication between your browser and the server is secure and your data is protected.

Why is SSL/HTTPS Important?

  1. Data Security: The main benefit of SSL/HTTPS is data encryption. When browsing a website without SSL/HTTPS, sensitive data like passwords, credit card information, or personal details could be transmitted unencrypted. A hacker could easily intercept and misuse this data. With SSL/HTTPS, however, this information is encrypted, making it unreadable to third parties.

  2. Trust and Credibility: Websites that use SSL/HTTPS show users that their data is protected. Visitors are often alerted by the green lock icon in the browser’s address bar or the “https://” prefix. Websites that don’t use SSL can be flagged as potentially unsafe and may undermine user trust.

  3. SEO Benefits: Google has made website security a ranking factor. Websites using HTTPS have a slight advantage in search engine results over those using only HTTP. This means that SSL/HTTPS is also important for SEO ranking.

  4. Protection Against Phishing: Phishing is a type of cyberattack where hackers create a fake website that closely resembles a legitimate one in order to steal sensitive data like usernames, passwords, and credit card details. A website without SSL/HTTPS is easier to imitate by phishing attackers. With SSL/HTTPS, you add an extra layer of security, preventing fraudsters from mimicking your site.

How to Get SSL/HTTPS for Your Website?

To enable SSL for a website, the website owner must purchase an SSL certificate. There are different types of SSL certificates, some of which are offered for free (e.g., Let’s Encrypt), while others are paid and provide additional features.

The process of activating SSL and HTTPS typically involves the following steps:

  1. Obtain an SSL Certificate: Choose a suitable certificate and purchase it from a trusted provider, or register with a free provider like Let’s Encrypt.

  2. Install the Certificate: The SSL certificate must be installed on the web server hosting the website.

  3. Redirect to HTTPS: Ensure that all pages of the website are redirected to HTTPS. This is typically done by adding redirects on the server or making changes in the Content Management System (CMS).

  4. Test: After installation, make sure the website is correctly accessible via HTTPS and that no errors or security warnings occur.