When you create a website for your company, the URL can start with HTTP or HTTPS. While it might seem like these are very similar, and it doesn’t matter, the truth is that there’s a big difference between these two.
What is HTTPS?
The “S” in HTTPS stands for secure. Website URLs that begin with HTTPS://, secure information by encrypting data to prevent cyber attackers and intruders from accessing your communication with clients or customers and the communication between your website and client/customer internet browsers.
Benefits of an HTTPS Website
1. Google Rankings: Google announced that in January 2017, they would be marking all non-secure websites in Google Chrome. If you visit a site that starts with HTTP, you’ll see a notification before the URL that says, “not secure”. If one of the first things that your customer or client sees is that they’re not safe visiting your website, they’re not likely to stick around for very long. It’s no surprise, then, that Google prefers HTTPS sites, and it gives HTTPS more favorable rankings in the search results. So, if you want to improve your search engine rankings, consider updating to HTTPS.
2. Building Trust: As we mentioned, customers and clients will not trust your website if they see it’s not secure. That also means that they won’t trust your company either. The way you brand yourself matters, and this includes your site. With an HTTPS site, visitors will know that they’re safe browsing around, and it also lets them know that you are a business they can trust. Because of that, there’s a better chance of conversion.
3. Better Cyber Security: An A. James Clark School of Engineering study found that cyber-attacks occur every 39 seconds, and non-secure access provides hackers with a higher chance of success. What’s more, the computers used in the study were attacked 2,244 times a day, on average. While it may seem obvious, an HTTPS site offers better security and protection against these attacks, so there’s less of a chance you’ll experience a data breach.
Updating to an HTTPS Website
Companies that currently have an HTTP site are likely wondering how they can upgrade to an HTTPS site. The good news is that it’s straightforward. You can purchase an SSL Certificate, which is a set of data files that encrypts your connection between your server and your internet browser, and the result is an HTTPS URL. When you install an SSL Certificate, website visitors will see a padlock before the URL instead of the “not secure” notification. While you do have to pay for the SSL certificate, the cost is well worth the security and peace of mind it provides you and your visitors.
If you need assistance in updating your website to HTTPS, or if you’d like a new, secure website created, the web designers and developers at EQ Technology Group are here to help. Contact us to set up a free consultation.