What is HTTPS?
HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP. With HTTPS, data sent between browsers and websites is encrypted with the TLS/SSL protocols. That means data can’t be modified or read during transfer.
More About HTTPS
Most modern websites use HTTPS to load instead of HTTP. Browsers let you know when you’re visiting an unsecured website, and, in some cases, they might show warnings that your data isn’t safe.
To force a website to load over HTTPS, you must first obtain an SSL certificate. The certificate proves that the website is legitimate and provides an additional security layer. You can get SSL certificates for free, but some types of certificates require comprehensive security and verification audits.
If you’re launching a new website, we recommend setting up an SSL certificate and configuring the site to load over HTTPS as one of your first steps. Search engines use HTTPS as a ranking signal. Therefore, not using the protocol can affect your site’s performance in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).
