HTTPS

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS is the secure version of the HTTP protocol, which encrypts the data sent between a visitor’s browser and a website’s server. An SSL or TLS certificate makes this possible. You can recognize a secure page by https:// at the start of its web address.

Why is HTTPS important?

• Security: data in forms and payments cannot easily be intercepted.
• Trust: browsers warn visitors when a site does not use HTTPS.
• Light ranking factor: Google uses HTTPS as a small ranking signal.

Examples of HTTPS

• http://example.com is not secure.
• https://example.com is secure.
• An online store where the whole site, not just the checkout, runs on HTTPS.

How do you switch to HTTPS?

Install a certificate (many hosts offer one for free), redirect all HTTP addresses to HTTPS with a 301 redirect and update internal links, canonicals and the sitemap. Then check in Google Search Console that the HTTPS version is being indexed (technical SEO).