HTTP vs HTTPS: The Core Difference
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) transmits data as plain text — anyone intercepting the connection can read the information (passwords, credit cards, personal data).
HTTPS (HTTP Secure) encrypts all data using the TLS/SSL protocol — even if intercepted, the data is unreadable.
4 Reasons HTTPS Matters
1. Protects User Data
HTTPS encrypts:
- Login passwords
- Payment information
- Contact form data
- Session cookies
2. SEO Ranking Factor
Google confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal back in 2014. HTTP websites may rank lower than HTTPS sites with equivalent content.
3. Browser Security Warnings
Chrome, Firefox, and Safari display "Not Secure" warnings on HTTP websites, especially pages with input forms. This significantly reduces trust and conversion rates.
4. HTTP/2 and Performance
HTTPS is a prerequisite for HTTP/2 — the modern web protocol that allows loading multiple resources in parallel, making websites noticeably faster.
How to Install SSL/HTTPS
Option 1: Let's Encrypt (Free)
Let's Encrypt provides free SSL/TLS certificates, supported by most hosting providers with automatic installation:
- cPanel/Shared Hosting: Find "SSL/TLS" → "Let's Encrypt" in your control panel
- VPS/Dedicated Server: Use Certbot (
sudo certbot --nginxorsudo certbot --apache)
Option 2: SSL from Your Hosting Provider
Most modern hosting providers (Hostinger, Cloudways, SiteGround...) include free SSL or enable it automatically.
After Installing SSL: Important Steps
- Redirect HTTP → HTTPS — Ensure all traffic automatically redirects to HTTPS
- Update internal links — Replace
http://withhttps://in page content - Update Google Search Console — Add the HTTPS version of your website
- Check for Mixed Content — Ensure no resources (images, scripts) still load over HTTP
Check Your Website's HTTPS Status
WebCheck automatically checks whether your website uses HTTPS and reports it immediately in the analysis results at webcheck.shunify.com.