HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) are both protocols used to communicate and transfer data between a browser and a web server. The difference between them lies primarily in security. While HTTP is a standard protocol for retrieving data from a web server, HTTPS adds a layer of security by encrypting the communication between the user and the server.
What is HTTP?
HTTP is a network protocol that allows web clients (such as browsers) and web servers to communicate. When a user enters a URL into the browser, the browser sends an HTTP request to the web server, which then responds with the requested data, typically a web page that is displayed in the browser.
Examples of HTTP requests include:
- GET: Retrieves data from the server (e.g. when a user visits a website).
- POST: Sends data to the server (e.g. when a user fills out a form).
Disadvantages of HTTP
Although HTTP is fast and efficient for data transfer, it has one significant drawback: it is insecure. All data transferred between the user’s browser and the server is sent in clear text, which means that it can easily be intercepted by third parties (e.g. hackers) if they have access to the network. This creates major security problems, especially when it comes to sensitive information such as credit card data, personal information, or login credentials.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP. It adds a layer of encryption using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security). This means that all data transferred between the browser and the server is encrypted and therefore more protected.
When a user visits an HTTPS-protected website, the following happens:
- The browser establishes a secure connection to the server.
- The web server sends an SSL certificate to the browser to prove its identity.
- Data sent between the browser and the server is encrypted.
An example of an HTTPS URL is: https://www.eksempel.dk
Benefits of HTTPS
- Security: HTTPS protects sensitive data like personal information, passwords, and payment details from hackers.
- SEO Benefits: Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor. Sites that use HTTPS have an advantage in search results compared to sites that still use HTTP.
- Trust and user experience: When a website uses HTTPS, most browsers display a padlock in the address bar, signaling that the connection is secure. This increases user trust and can improve conversion rates as visitors feel more secure entering their information.
- Protection against “man-in-the-middle” attacks: HTTPS prevents data from being intercepted and modified by a third party between the browser and the server.
HTTP vs. HHTPS
| Function | HTTP | HTTPS |
| Security | No encryption | Encrypted via SSL/TLS |
| User data protection | Unsecured | Protected against eavesdropping |
| Browser warning | May show a “not secure” warning | Shows a padlock (secure connection) |
| SEO benefits | No benefits | Better rankings in Google searches |
| User trust | Less user trust | Increase user trust |
Why is HTTPS important for SEO?
Google has made it clear that HTTPS is an important factor for SEO. Sites that are secure have an advantage in search results. In addition, Google Chrome and other browsers display warnings to users when they visit sites that do not use HTTPS, which can lead to high bounce rates and lower conversion rates. They are recommended in all SEO strategies to always use HTTPS.
HTTPS and rankings
In 2014, Google announced that they would start using HTTPS as a ranking signal. While it’s a minor signal compared to other SEO factors like content and backlinks, it’s almost a standard these days and should be in place.
Chrome Warnings
Starting in 2018, Google Chrome began marking all HTTP pages as “not secure.” This can create distrust among users, especially when they are asked to enter sensitive information. Websites without HTTPS therefore risk higher bounce rates and lower conversion rates. In many cases, users will have to actively choose whether to access the page if it is not called with HTTPS.
Implementing HTTPS
To switch from HTTP to HTTPS, several steps are required:
- Purchase an SSL certificate: The first step is to purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted provider. There are also free options like Let’s Encrypt, which offers SSL certificates at no cost.
- Install the certificate on your server: Once you have the SSL certificate, it needs to be installed on your web server. If you use a hosting provider, they can often help with this process.
- Update internal links: All internal links on your website should be changed from http:// to https://.
- Update external resources: If your website pulls external resources (such as images or scripts) from non-secure HTTP sources, these should also be updated to HTTPS to avoid “mixed content” warnings in browsers.
- Inform Google: Once HTTPS is implemented, you must update your Google Search Console with the new HTTPS version of your website to ensure that Google crawls the secure version.
HTTP and HTTPS are both essential protocols for data transmission on the Internet, but HTTPS has become the standard due to its increased security and trust-building properties. In addition to protecting user data, HTTPS offers SEO benefits, better user experiences, and protection against threats like eavesdropping. It is now essential for any website that wants to improve its security, maintain user trust, and rank high in search results.
If you need help implementing HTTPS, please contact our SEO consultants who can help with the implementation.
