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Is your website still displaying HTTP? It is likely that your website without TLS will be hacked one day.
Don’t forget to check out our Website Security For Small Business article.
What is HTTPS?
According to Wikipedia, Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is an extension of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It is used for secure communication on the Internet. The communication protocol is encrypted using Transport Layer Security (TLS).
What is TLS?
According to Wikipedia, Transport Layer Security (TLS), formerly known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), are cryptographic protocols designed to provide communications security over a computer network. It applies to web browsing, email, instant messaging, and voice over IP (VoIP).
TLS certificates are files that digitally bind a cryptographic key to an organization’s details. When installed on a web server, it activates the padlock and the HTTPS protocol (over port 443) and allows secure connections from a web server to a browser. It secures credit card transactions, data transfer and logins, contact details, and browsing of social media sites.
Find out who is the most popular TLS certificate authority.
Why you need HTTPS?
First, websites using HTTPS are more secure. A hacker cannot steal your website visitors’ usernames, passwords, personal data, and credit card information.
Secondly, HTTP websites show not secure in Chrome browser which about 70% of desktop website viewers use. For the past several years, Google has moved toward a more secure web by strongly advocating that sites adopt encryption. It also shows “Connection not secure” in Firefox browser.
Thirdly, TLS protocol confirms that a web server is who it claims it is. This prevents impersonations of websites and hence cyber attacks. Impersonation means making users think they are on the site they intended to reach when in fact they are on a hoax site.
Lastly, HTTPS improves search ranking on Google because Google uses HTTPS as a signal to rank websites.
Mixed Content on HTTPS
Google will soon autoupgrade and block mixed content probably on Chrome 88. This means that your visitors will not see any insecure mixed content on your website. So make sure your websites do not have mixed content.
Conclusion
Don’t wait until your website is hacked. Get a TLS certificate, have it installed on your domain, and load your website on HTTPS. Some providers offer managed TLS service for a small fee.
