At this point in the film, the use of the HTTPS protocol is fully extended on many websites, but some still do not know the difference between HTTP and HTTPS. And not only is it good for Internet users to know this difference when browsing, but if you have a website, you must know what they are and which of these protocols is best for your website.
So, whatever your case may be, in this article you will learn the differences between HTTP and HTTPS, and if you own a website, I will explain which one you should use and how to do it the easiest way.
Differences between HTTP and HTTPS
What is HTTP
Although the first version of this protocol was released in 1991, it was not until 1999 that the currently most widely used version was released.
What is HTTPS
HTTPS is a secure variant of the HTTPS protocol (The “S” stands for “ Secure ”, or “Secure” if you don't have a father of Shakespeare's language), and is used for the same purpose as HTTP, but it handles to encrypt the data, so it adds an extra layer of security that the original protocol does not have.
This protocol first came to light in 1992, but it hasn't been until a few years ago that it has become popular around the world and more and more websites are using it. This is mainly because browsers such as Chrome or Firefox began to show a warning to users who visited websites with the HTTP protocol.
HTTP vs HTTPS, so which is better?
As the owner of a website, you are interested in the users who visit your website having confidence when leaving their data on it, and, furthermore, also having the confidence that these data are going to be safe and that nobody is going to intercept, with the legal problems that this may entail.
Also, as I mentioned before, the main browsers notify users when they are visiting a website that works with the HTTP protocol. Imagine that someone enters your website and a highly visible message appears saying that your site is not secure.
Bad business, right?
You may lose visits if people who do not know very well how this works enter your website and find a message of this type. But, in addition, and in line with all this, all things being equal, Google gives higher priority to websites that work under the HTTPS protocol, because it always wants the best for its users.
What does this mean?
Well, all things being equal, a website with HTTPS has more chances of ranking than one with HTTP. Obviously, many other factors influence SEO so that one website ranks before another, but this is one more.
How to know if a website uses HTTP or HTTPS?
You just have to look at the address bar of the browser, which, by the way, can vary from one browser to another.
How you can set HTTPS instead of HTTP on your website?
Well, after knowing the advantages offered by the HTTPS protocol, you will be wanting your website to use it if it is still with HTTP. To do this, you need to install an SSL certificate and make some settings on the web. Some time ago I published an article explaining all the steps to follow, so, in order not to repeat myself in this article, I recommend you read it, it is the following:
Move your WordPress to HTTPS with Let's Encrypt.
You'll see that it's simple if you follow all the steps, and the best: free thanks to Let's encrypt.
Conclusion on HTTP and HTTPS
Well, you already know the differences between HTTPS and HTTPS, so if you have a website that is not yet secure, move it to HTTPS as soon as possible.
Not only will you be saving all the data provided by your users, but you will also have an advantage over other websites that still work with the insecure protocol. Nowadays it is very easy to do it, and above all, free, since before you had to pay for an SSL certificate until Let's Encrypt arrived.
The world is always changing and it is better to be informed of the changes around us. Comment down below and tell us what you think. Share this with your friends and family to keep them informed as well. Hope this has been a bright reading for you.