How secure is HTTPS? A primer on the protocols that protect most networks
How secure is HTTPS? A primer on the protocols that protect most networks
From entertainment websites to online banking websites, most platforms today use HTTPS instead of HTTP. This is a security protocol that ensures that the website in question uses secure, encrypted data protection. Of course, all of this is beneficial to both providers and visitors.
When we visit a website using this protocol, we are entering a platform that uses a more secure encryption protocol that is much more secure than non-encrypted protocols. If the website does use HTTPS, you can see a padlock icon next to its address.
Despite its popularity, some people still wonder whether HTTPS is truly secure. In short, it is actually secure, especially if you compare it to other protocols that came before it.
If implemented correctly, this protocol can be a clever way to ensure that users visit legitimate websites that truly respect the privacy of their data. Beyond that, there are a few other things to know about HTTPS and how it differs from HTTP.
Is HTTPS really secure?
HTTPS is known to be the most secure as it protects both parties through the use of tunnels and encryption protocols. It is welcomed by stakeholders because it effectively guarantees additional security.
If you look at the data, HTTPS is indeed the most secure option, being used by 94% of desktop and 93% of mobile connections. A whopping 89.3% of desktop Internet homepages and 85% of mobile pages are served over HTTPS.
HTTPS proves that a website is actually legitimate. If your website does have a padlock icon, don't worry too much. However, if you need more security, you can also use a dedicated IP. A dedicated IP VPN can provide better accessibility to certain online services or websites. Although it may be a bit pricey, it is certainly worth the money, keeping in mind the many benefits you may get from it. Therefore, we strongly recommend using a reputable service to ensure the best quality.
HTML and HTTP, HTTPS
HTML was the protocol used by most websites before the advent of HTTPS. Of course, between the two, HTTPS is more secure because it uses digital authentication and encrypted connections, and any incoming or outgoing information will also be encrypted.
Another notable difference is the use of ports. HTML uses port 80, while HTTPS uses port 443, which became the standard port for the protocol.
The reason why people think HTTPS is a better choice is because of its ability to encrypt information. This is not found on HTTP (an early and older version of the protocol).
When a website activates the HTTPS protocol, any important information, including account details, will be more difficult for outsiders to intercept. Since HTTP does not have any of these encryption capabilities, using it is essentially riskier, as any outgoing or incoming information may be intercepted midway.
Is now the best time to use HTTPS?
If the website does not have this protocol enabled, we strongly recommend using HTTPS. Because most visitors will generally avoid websites that don't use HTTPS, keep in mind that other protocols are riskier than them.
Websites that still use older protocols are more prone to cybersecurity risks, especially data theft. When issues like this arise, it becomes difficult for the webmaster and they end up losing the integrity and trust of their visitors.
Since information can easily be intercepted, it can also pose a danger to visitors, as their data can easily be stolen without their knowledge. Just losing an account can feel bad, imagine how it would feel if you lost important private data such as credit card numbers, social numbers, etc.
Therefore, in order to stay away from those dangerous cybersecurity risks, it is better to activate this protocol now. Changing the protocol from HTTP to HTTPS will not be a difficult task as there are many tutorials available.
By taking a few simple steps, you can make your website more secure, more reputable, and attract more visitors.