What then is the difference between running your web on an “http” or “https” protocol. As the case may be, putting s in https makes a world of difference. Despite the fact that to some it is just an “s” added to the already existing http in the URL. In reality, this little “s” in https makes a world of difference to those, who want to browse the web safely. Allow me to explain.
Let's First Define HTTP
HTTP is an acronym for “HyperText Transfer Protocol” and it enables data transfer over the internet. When you enter any address into your browser, e.g. google.com, and hit ENTER, then you just activated the HTTP protocol, which will provide you access to the files at the given address. After the protocol processes your entry, the result will be displayed in your browser. This process repeats every time you click on a new link or manually enter an address.
Let's Now Take a Look at the S in HTTPS
The HTTPS protocol has been around since the dawn of the internet. However, only lately has it received greater attention. The “S” in HTTPS means Secure. This means that with respect to functionality HTTPS functions just like HTTP, but in addition it encrypts the data transfer. This encryption makes it secure.
Until recently this protocol has been used solely by banks in money transfers or in shopping carts, where financial transactions were taking place. HTTPS ensures that the connection is safe from a possible attacker.
HTTPS and Its Popularity
Judging by the growing popularity of HTTPS you could say that all large corporations have been using it for some time now. But, as recently as 2017 companies such as ASK, Alibaba, BBC, The Times and other big players were still not onboard with this. According to Google statistics HTTPS protocol in 2017 was used by some 50% of websites in the world. This statistic has been now raised significantly.
Top SSL Stats and Facts
- 56% of businesses fully encrypted their internet traffic in 2020.
- 70% of malware campaigns in 2020 used some type of encryption.
- More than 46 million websites use SSL by Default in 2021.
- There are three primary types of SSL certificates.
- 95% of websites on Google use HTTPS.
- 99% of browsing time on Google Chrome is on HTTPS websites.
- On average, mobile users click on a phishing URL six times per year.
source: serpwatch.io
Protect Your Privacy, Encrypt!
What you read or browse on the internet can tell a lot about you. Once this information is gathered, it becomes a simple child’s game to piece together a person’s complete profile. Your interests, preferences, likes, don’t likes and relations using HTTP are not private. If you access content using HTTPS, you can avoid falsifying, government snooping or censorship of content accessible to you. Briefly said, HTTPS helps to secure (when you enter proper address) that:
- The web you want to access is authentic and it is not a scam or phishing link.
- The connection is encrypted and metadata such as URL, search queries etc. are hidden, i.e. private.
- The content you are accessing was not manipulated, hence data integrity was maintained
- Last, but not least, file transfer will speed up incredibly, which will help your web get a much better score in terms of search engine results.
In Closing
Here are 2 links, where you can test the difference in speed and security level
· Test your site’s level of security: https://lnkd.in/dRYif28D
· And here you can take a look at the difference in data transfer speed: https://lnkd.in/dBc95S8X
