Have you ever noticed that something appears at the front of every website link? That is either HTTP or HTTPS. But even when you type in the website address without the HTTP or HTTPS, you are still directed to that particular site. So what do an HTTP and HTTPS do? 
Reading our blog on our official blog page is one example. So when you click on one of our blogs the data that appears on your computer are not yours. The data is not stored on your computer, but it is stored on a web server.
The internet connects your computer (client) to our web servers. And between your computer and our web server, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) has its rules when sending and receiving hypertext over the internet.
What’s the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
Simply put, the difference between the two is whether or not the data being sent and received is encrypted. The S in HTTPS stands for Secure. So if the website you are browsing uses HTTPS, it means that data being sent and received is being encrypted by a Secure Socket Layer (SSL). Conversely, if the website you are browsing is HTTP, then it means that the data being sent and received is not encrypted. Since the identity of the provider on the other side is not accurately identified, hackers can exploit and steal sensitive information from the middle. So sites that require you to enter financial information, account information, etc. should ensure that HTTPS is applied on that site.
HTTPS is more than just a security feature
HTTPS is developed for security measures, that is why both HTTP and HTTPS are still available on many websites. However, we have some recommendations for secure encryption communication.
1.HTTPS is not an option but a necessity
Google is displaying if the website uses HTTPS encryption or not in its Chrome browser. It is created for a better environment for users or managers. In the past, if the website used HTTPS, it was marked with a lock with the phrase “safe” on the address bar. But Google has announced that they are planning on removing the phrase “safe” and the lock icon in the future. Why? This is not because HTTPS is unsafe, but it is to let everyone know that it is basic to have the proper encryption tool for a secure website. Fortunately, HTTPS traffic in Google is about 93% as of 2018. 
And websites that are not safe alert users and administrators by the phrase “not secure” on the address bar.
2.HTTPS is also required for marketing
So does it mean that sites that do not handle sensitive information don’t need HTTPS? It may not be necessary from a security perspective, but it is necessary to apply HTTPS encryption for corporate and individual purposes because it affects the search results. Most search engines, like Google and Yahoo, prioritize secure websites with HTTPS. This means if two websites have the same conditions and contents, the website with HTTPS encryption is exposed on top of the search results. HTTPS is a must, not an option, for a secure website but also for corporate and individual marketing perspective.
Conclusion
Did this blog help you understand the difference and the role of HTTP and HTTPS? If you own a website make sure you are using HTTPS for a secure website and if not, make sure you apply for one today and run a safe and effective site!
If you are an end-user, checking first if the site is properly encrypted before entering any sensitive information will help you protect your privacy.
Cloudbric’s smart web application firewall (WAF) delivers fast performance and provides security in HTTPS environments. If you are curious about web security and web application firewalls, visit our site to learn more!