HTTPS or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, a secured version of HTTP, is a protocol used for transferring data across the web between a web browser and a website. HTTPS encrypts all the data that passes between the server and the browser to increase security by using an encryption protocol called Transport Layer Security (TLS), preceded by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). 

All websites, especially those that require login credentials should have HTTPS to have increased security. This makes users confident when accessing sensitive information online. 

How Is HTTPS different from HTTP? 

Here are the common differences between HTTP and HTTPS: 

HTTP 

HTTPS 
Lacks a security mechanism for encrypting the data  Provides TLS or SSL Digital Certificate for securing the communication between a client and the server 
Operates at the Application Layer  Operates at the Transport Layer 
Operates on port 80 (by default)  Operates on port 443 (by default) 
Transfers data in plain text  Transfers data in cipher text (encrypt text) 
It is faster than HTTPS  It is slightly slower than HTTP because it consumes computation power to encrypt the communication channel 

 Why Should You Use HTTPS?  

HTTPS is the standard for all activities on the web as it is the easiest way for users to protect sensitive information. It’s ideal for e-commerce websites, online banking transactions, online travel agencies, and other websites that require personal information from the user.  

A few more reasons why you should use HTTPS: 

  • Aside from data security, website owners can also enjoy an improved user experience and web functionality. 
  • Attackers won’t be able to intercept data with the TSL/SSL authentication, meaning all personal information entered is safe and secured. 
  • Establishes trust among an online business’ customers. This is because they must enter their payment details and therefore place their trust in the website owner that their sensitive information won’t be compromised. 
  • Improves a website’s search engine optimization because browsers such as Mozilla Firefox offers HTTPS-only mode and Google Chrome flags HTTP websites.  
  • The release of HTTP/2 (a revision of protocol) in 2015 saw the browsers further prioritise HTTPS over HTTP. It allows faster web browsing and enhanced user experience through a wide range of new features. This update motivates the HTTP website owners to transition if they want to enjoy these benefits. 

READ: How to Migrate from HTTP to HTTPS – A Complete Guide 

How to Ensure that a Website Uses HTTPS 

The simplest way to identify if a website uses HTTPS or HTTP is to check the URL bar of the browser. HTTP websites use http:// and HTTPS websites use https://. 

In addition, you can also see a padlock icon on the left side of the URL bar on the HTTPS websites that indicates that the website is secure. Click on the padlock icon to see the certificate issuer, confirmation message, and expiration date. 

A search engine like Google alerts users with a warning message upon entering an HTTP page. You can also check the website’s security by using anti-virus software as website security checks are usually an included benefit. 

How to Make Your Website Secure 

There are 6 different types of SSL certificates available that you can choose from for your website. Check them out: 

Domain Validation (DV) SSL Certificate 

A DV SSL certificate offers 25-bit encryption and is compatible with most mobile devices and web browsers. This is also ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. If your only aim is website validation, then this is the perfect option for you. 

There are two types of registration for it this: email verification and file-based verification.  

Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificate 

Organization Validated SSL Certificates authenticate the physical address, identity, and other key information of the company.  

The Certificate Authority (CA) requires the business organization owner to submit relevant business documents to acquire an OV SSL Certificate. The certificate will be issued between 1-2 days. 

Extended Validation SSL Certificate 

When the CA verifies the official records of the business identity to check if the applicant has the right to the specific Website or Company Name and the CA conducts a clear investigation of the organization, only then will the EV SSL Certificates be issued.  

The certificate issuance process takes around 2-3 days. 

Wildcard SSL Certificate 

Wildcard Certificates work like regular SSL Certificates and secure the connection between your website and your customer’s browser — with one major advantage of covering all the sub-domains of your primary domain. Thus, securing unlimited subdomains over unlimited servers. 

BigRock offers a Positive SSL Wildcard Certificate at a reasonable price starting at ₹ 4,185/year with a $10,000 warranty level and rock-solid security. 

Multi-domain SSL Certificate 

A Multi-domain SSL Certificate, also known as a SAN Certificate, uses SANs (Subject Alternative Names) to secure various domains, subdomains, and public IP addresses. This is made possible with one single certificate and by requiring one IP to host the certificate. 

When it comes to encryption strength, a SAN Multi-domain Certificate uses encryption standards like the rest of the solutions offered by any third-party CA.  

Unified Communications Certificate (UCC) SSL Certificate 

UCC SSL Certificate can secure multiple domains and the featured subdomains under one single certificate. A UCC is also referred to as SAN as the user can add multiple names as the certificate’s subject.  

Ensure Your Website’s Security Today  

Almost all business transactions can be conducted online today, and hackers have become so clever with their fraudulent methods that they can acquire sensitive information within seconds if you are not careful. To prevent this, you should invest in the security of your website to protect all sensitive information.  

BigRock offers SSL Certificates that help encrypt and authenticate your website’s identity. They come in different plans to tailor to your website’s needs, and they also come with domain validation, free additional server licenses, warranty, and more. Speak to one of our representatives now to find out more.