What is HTTPS and how can you add it to your website?

Key points to remember

• Enhanced security HTTPS encrypts data to protect sensitive user information from interception and cyber-attack.

• Improved SEO Search engines like Google favor HTTPS sites, boosting their ranking.

• User confidence Modern browsers display a padlock for secure sites, increasing the conversion rate.

• Compliance HTTPS is often required to comply with confidentiality and security standards.

What is the HTTPS protocol?

HTTPS is a secure version of the HTTP protocol. It uses SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) encryption to protect data exchanges between a user’s browser and the website server. This guarantees three fundamental pillars:

• Privacy : Transmitted data cannot be intercepted by third parties.

• Integrity : Data remains unchanged during transfer.

• Authenticity Users are connected to the right server, preventing phishing attacks.

Difference between HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP transmits data unencrypted, making it vulnerable to malicious interception. HTTPS, on the other hand, encrypts these exchanges, guaranteeing optimum protection for sensitive information such as passwords and bank details.

Why is HTTPS essential?

1. Search engine optimization (SEO)

Since 2014, Google has announced HTTPS as a positive ranking factor in its search algorithm. By adopting HTTPS, you increase your chances of appearing at the top of search results, which can have a significant impact on your organic traffic.

2. User confidence

Modern browsers clearly indicate whether a site is secure or not. HTTP sites display the words “Not secure”, which can deter visitors. By switching to HTTPS, you reassure your users, which can increase your conversion rate.

3. Protection against cyber attacks

With cyber-attacks on the increase, the encryption offered by HTTPS is essential to protect your users against data interception and man-in-the-middle attacks.

4. Regulatory compliance

Certain regulations, such as the RGPD in Europe, require increased security for user data. HTTPS can help your site meet these standards.

How to enable HTTPS on your website?

Step 1: Obtain an SSL Certificate

An SSL certificate is required to enable HTTPS. You can obtain one from :

• Free You don’t have to worry about security: via services like Let’s Encrypt.

• Pay With certification authorities such as DigiCert, which offer certificates with higher levels of validation.

Step 2: Install the Certificate on Your Server

Once you’ve obtained the certificate, you need to install it on your site’s server. The procedure varies according to the type of server (Apache, Nginx, etc.) and your hosting provider.

Step 3: Configure redirections

Set up 301 redirects to ensure that all HTTP requests are automatically directed to the HTTPS version of your site. This prevents content duplication and preserves your SEO.

Step 4: Check Mixed Content

Make sure that all your site’s resources (images, scripts, styles) are loaded via HTTPS. Mixed content can generate warnings in browsers, affecting the perception of security.

Step 5: Update Your Links

Update internal and external links to point to HTTPS versions. This includes backlinks, URLs in e-mails and marketing resources.

Step 6: Test Your Site

Once you’ve activated the HTTPS protocol, test your site to make sure everything’s working properly. Use tools such as SSL Labs to check certificate configuration.

The concrete benefits of HTTPS

1. Enhanced user experience An HTTPS site offers a smoother, more secure browsing experience, which can increase the time spent on your site and reduce the bounce rate.
2. Mobile optimization With the rise of mobile browsing, SSL/TLS certificates are essential to guarantee a secure experience on all devices.
3. Compatibility with APIs and extensions Some modern APIs and extensions require HTTPS to function correctly, notably those related to geolocation and online payments.
4. Reducing legal risks By protecting user data, you reduce the risk of legal action in the event of a data breach.

SSL Costs and Investment

Free SSL certificates

• Ideal for small sites or blogs.

• Offers basic validation.

Paid SSL Certificates

• Recommended for e-commerce sites and businesses.

• Includes extensive validation and a financial guarantee in the event of faults.

• An SSL certificate costs around $60 per year , however, and prices can vary from $8 to over $1,000 per year, depending on various factors, such as the number of domains you can protect, the validation processes, the warranties associated with the certificate or the certification authority itself.

Answers to your questions