Google and cybersecurity experts continue to make clarion calls to web admins and website owners to switch from HTTP to HTTPS. But is there any difference between the two other than the extra “S” at the end of HTTPS? Not everyone understands the differences between HTTP and HTTPS and why the difference is so significant. In this post, we will discuss the differences between HTTP and HTTPS, the reasons why you need to switch from HTTP to HTTPS, and the procedure of making the switch.

What is HTTP?

HTTP is an acronym for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, and it describes an application layer protocol or a prescribed syntax used to present information on the web. Essentially, HTTP allows different systems to communicate and is commonly used as the protocol for transferring data between web servers and website users via their browsers.

The most significant challenge HTTP poses is that it uses structured texts to transmit data. As such, the data transmitted becomes susceptible to intrusions and interceptions from unauthorized parties. For this reason, search engines will display an open lock icon on all web addresses served over HTTP. Moreover, they will also display a warning message about the site being unsafe, such as the one in the image.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and is a more secure and advanced version of HTTP. It implements an SSL/TLS certificate, ensuring that all communications and data transmitted between web servers and browsers are encrypted. The SSL certificate converts raw data into a series of random characters called Ciphertext, making the data inaccessible, unreadable and undecipherable.

Users can now easily identify HTTPS websites by looking at Omnibox. HTTPS websites are usually displayed with a padlock icon, as shown in the image below.

Is it Important to Install an SSL Certificate?

There has been an overwhelming migration from HTTP to HTTPS. According to Google’s Transparency Report, 93.2% of all browsing time on the Google Chrome browser is spent on HTTPS websites. The same report also points out that 97% of all traffic in India is encrypted. So, why the sudden implementation of the HTTPS protocol? The many benefits users get when they purchase SSL certificates and install them on their websites explain the surge in SSL/TSL implementation. The following are some of the key benefits your website will receive when you switch from HTTP to HTTPS.

1. Increase Website Security

The most crucial goal for website owners to purchase SSL certificate is to safeguard sensitive information sent between servers and web visitors. With encryption capabilities, the certificate ensures that only the intended recipient bearing the right decryption key can read and understand the message. Users usually send sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, among many other sensitive details. Such information is lucrative to hackers, which is why it should be protected at all costs. Luckily, you have an SSL certificate at your disposal to aid you with information security.

The SSL certificate market is full of great certificate options you can use to bolster your site security. The good thing is that all certificates offer the same encryption levels. So, a cheap RapidSSL certificate coming at $16 will be as effective as the most expensive SSL certificate on the market.

2. Increase Visibility In Search Engines

Another reason to install SSL certificate on your website is that SSL certificates have SEO advantages. Google is now using the HTTPS or no HTTPS factor to rank websites in search engines. It is the ambition of every website owner to rank top in search engines. There are a lot of algorithms you can use to achieve this, and one of the cheapest ones is installing an SSL certificate. Google and other search engines value users’ privacy and data, and that is why they would not wish to compromise their data or privacy by ranking insecure HTTP websites.

A few years ago, Google announced that it would rank HTTPS websites above HTTP websites. Additionally, the SSL certificate will be used as a tie-breaker in a situation where two or more websites had tied in all other ranking factors. Although HTTPS certificates have been said to have little impact on SEO, previous studies have pointed out a positive correlation between HTTPS and top rankings in search engines.

3. SSL Certificates Provide Authentication

Apart from encryption and SEO roles, a Proper SSL certificate also plays a crucial role in providing authentication. It means that with an SSL certificate, users can be sure that they are sending information to the right servers and not imposters masquerading as genuine websites but with the ill intention of stealing user data. As you know, SSL certificates are issued by special organizations referred to as certificate authorities.

Before a CA issues a certificate to a business, it will first scrutinize the business to ensure that it is what it says. For instance, before issuing an EV SSL certificate, the CA will do thorough research to validate the owners. All details about the owner will be included in the SSL certificate. With such details, it will be easy for users to authenticate a website. This, in turn, increases users’ trust, which will positively impact the conversion rates and revenues.

4. Regulation Compliance

You need an SSL certificate for regulation compliance. For instance, before accepting credit card information or any kind of payment information on your website, you will need to pass certain thresholds that prove that you have complied with the Payment Card Industry Standards. One of the requirements needed is to ensure the maximum level of privacy and security to such details. Having an SSL certificate is one of the ways that will help you comply with such standards.

What is the Procedure of Switching From HTTP to HTTPS?

You now see the benefits of switching from HTTP to HTTPS. You are probably wondering about the procedure of making the switch and whether you have the technical know-how to switch from HTTP to HTTPS. Actually, You do not need to be technically savvy to migrate from HTTP to HTTPS. The procedure of doing so is pretty straightforward. The following are the steps you should follow to migrate from HTTP to HTTPS.

1. Preparing For The Conversion

Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS is a vital and significant move for your organization. It requires adequate planning. This is why you need to adequately prepare for it by scheduling when the migration occurs. It would be best to make the switch at a time when your website isn’t much busy to avoid downtimes. You must also inform everyone on your team about all details about the move.

2. Purchase and Install SSL/TLS Certificate

Once you are set to migrate, you should then prepare to purchase and install an SSL certificate. You should confirm with your hosting provider about the SSL certificate package. In most cases, the host will install and configure the certificate for you.

When purchasing one, ensure that you choose the best because not all certificates are the same. There are three types of SSL certificates you should know of; they are Domain Validated, Organization Validated, and Extended Validate SSL certificates. Once you have purchased your ideal certificate, you should reach out to your host to configure it for you. You can also follow the instructions or contact the issuer’s support desk to help with configurations.

3. Enable HTTPS

Once the SSL certificate has been installed properly and is running correctly, you will then access the HTTPS versions of pages on your website. Be sure to configure all the internal links within your website to ensure they are served via HTTPS.

4. Setup 301 Redirects

If you use a Content Management System to power your website, you can automatically redirect all your traffic from your website servers to your HTTPS protocol. However, if you do not use a CMS, you will need to do the 301 redirects manually. The purpose of 301 redirects is to alert search engines about the changes on your website and tell them that they need to index your website under HTTPS protocols.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article settles the debate about HTTP vs. HTTPS. If you are running a website, be it a small blog or a large eCommerce store, you need to migrate from HTTP to HTTPS. It is a well worth investment, as pinpointed in this post. Go ahead and follow the steps explained above to migrate your HTTP to HTTPS.