There are two main protocols used to ensure communication between web servers and users. These are the HTTPS and HTTP protocols. The main difference between the two is the level of security that they offer. If you’re using the HTTP protocol on your website, then all the data that you exchanged is accessible to and can be modified by a third party such as hackers, network administrators, internet service providers, etc. On the other hand, if you’re using HTTPS on your website, then your data and information are encrypted, and third parties cannot read the data exchanged on your website, so it is more secure.

The HTTPS is a protocol allowing two systems to communicate securely with one another. It stands for “HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure.” This is the ideal protocol to use on your website, and it is suitable for many reasons.

· HTTP websites are marked as insecure

Since the 68 version released in July 2018, Chrome has been marking all websites with the HTTP protocol as unsecured websites. If you are using the HTTP protocol on your websites, your clients will be notified that your website is not secure, and this will reduce the trust that they have in your website and for doing business with you. Chrome remains one of the most popular internet browsers, so there’s a big chance that your clients use it and are notified that your website is unsecured.

· SEO

Google uses HTTPS as an official ranking factor, and they started doing this in 2014. So, using HTTPS protocol on your website will give you a boost to higher SEO rankings, at least, over HTTP websites. Also, Google claims that they may strengthen this over time as they try to encourage all websites to switch to HTTPS so that everyone on the internet is safe. You should note that you are likely to temporarily experience some adverse side effects while you are migrating from HTTP to HTTPS. The reason is that Google has to recalculate your SEO signals. So, if you complete your migration and do the process correctly, you won’t have any long-term problems.

· HTTP websites are easily hackable

If you are using the HTTP protocol on your website and a user connects to your website in a public space, then anyone can hack into your websites, even kids. It’s that unsafe and easy to hack! They can easily install special browser plugins such as WireShark. If a hacker connects to the same WiFi as a user, they can access all HTTP packets sent and received.

See the type of content that the users are viewing, the movies they watch on the net, the article they read, etc.
Steal the users’ login credentials.
Inject malicious codes, etc.

Doing all of these is very difficult if the website uses a secure connection (HTTPS).

· Prevent data tampering

Websites that use HTTP connections can be subjected to WiFi hotspots or internet service providers injecting their malware and ads. So, if you are using an HTTP connection theoretically, it is easy for internet service providers and governments to spy on your users and the content they are viewing. While there is no clear evidence to support any claims that governments and internet service providers do this, the fact is that they can do it with ease if they wanted to, provided that you are using the HTTP protocol by having two modems. With HTTPS, it’s challenging for internet service providers to track the videos, articles, or contents that their users are viewing.

· Google Analytics may give wrong data for HTTP websites.

Google Analytics is one of the most excellent services for web analytics. But if you are using an HTTP website, some of your referral traffic may be classified as direct, and this will lead to you getting the wrong conclusions. This is because the way internet protocols work is that the data from the referrer isn’t passed if the users visit a secure website (HTTPS) and click on another link taking them to an HTTP website (that’s unsecured).

How to switch to HTTPS from HTTP

Buy SSL certificate: the SSL certificate creates a link that’s impenetrable and encrypted between the web server and browser window.
Acquire SSL certificate installation: you need to approve the SSL certificate after purchasing it. If the domain owner verifies their email address, then the SSL certificate will be issued instantly.
Run full backup: when there’s a significant change to your website, you have to run a full backup for all your files.
Change your links from HTTP to HTTPS: change all your website internal links before switching to HTTPS. You can do this manually if your website has few pages or automate the process with a tool if it’s hundreds or thousands of pages.
Update external links within your control: you need to update all links from your listings and incorporating social media to your website, but your focus should be on the ones within your control.
Update Google (search console and analytics): updating your Google accounts is essential too. For the search console, add your new site with the HTTPS, and for analytics, make HTTPS the default URL.

Conclusion

It’s pretty obvious that HTTPS protocol is essential for websites and is ideal for all professional websites. It is very easy to use and ensures security which HTTP cannot offer.

Author Bio:

Eliza Sadler is a professional journalist with four years of extensive experience. She is fascinated with creating original quality work that meets high standards and achieves her aim. Eliza also works as a freelancer, providing college paper and article writing services for blogs and businesses. You can connect with her via email.