HTTP

Hypertext Transfer Protocol underpins the World Wide Web and is used to connect web pages using hypertext links. HTTP is an application layer protocol intended to transfer information between networked devices and runs on top of other layers of the network protocol stack.

The HTTP response is what often web browsers take from an Internet server in answer to an HTTP request. When HTTP requests a browser, it communicates valuable information as a response. 

A typical HTTP response contains:

  • An HTTP Status Code
  • HTTP Response Headers
  • Optional HTTP Body

HTTPS

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is an extension of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). It is used for securing connections over a computer network and is broadly used on the Internet.

In HTTPS, the communication protocol is encrypted with Transport Layer Security (TLS). Web browsers know how to treat HTTPS websites with the help of certificate authorities pre-installed in their software.

How HTTP is different from HTTPS

HTTPS URLs start with "HTTPS://" and use port 443 by default, whereas, HTTP URLs begin with "HTTP://" and use port 80.

HTTP is not encoded and thus is defenseless to man-in-the-middle, allowing attackers to access web accounts and sensitive data and alters websites to insert malware.

HTTPS is designed to hold out such attacks and is considered secure against them since it is encrypted with Transport Layer Security (TLS).

HTTP vs HTTPS in SEO

HTTP and HTTPS have become more critical for SEO. Google notably called for "HTTPS everywhere" at its I/O conference. Back in 2014 when google called for secure network connections on the Internet, most people found having a secure site lot more critical.

Google ranks websites based on HTTP and HTTPS connections, and if businesses want to improve organic traffic, they should consider securing their websites. Google notably called for "HTTPS everywhere" at its I/O conference.

The actual difference between HTTP vs HTTPS in SEO is that the hypertext transfer protocol is a configuration for transporting information from a user's device to a website's server and back. It is how the HTML and other data are transported from the Internet to a browser.

HTTPS is functionally identical to HTTP, but HTTPS employs "secure socket layer" protection (SSL) for transferring information. Having SSL means that sensitive data that comes into the website by users are more secure. The SSL security encrypts the information avoiding it from being attacked by Men-in-the-Middle (MitM).

BENEFITS/ NEED OF A SECURE SITE

Security: HTTPS increases security and trust; it shields users against Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks from unauthorized networks. 

Confidence: The green catch which appears on a secured site will help visitors trust the website and information that gives them peace of mind, this helps to increase conversion rates of a website.

Google ranking: As said earlier, Google is reprimanding websites without encryption; they are giving preference to those who do have SSL. Ranking helps brand awareness and leads to increased traffic volume, which allows you to turn leads into conversions.

Browser alerts: Chrome cautions users and won't allow them to load your site with an invalid SSL certificate found on pages where sensitive information is requested.

Having an SSL secure website ensures that your customers don't lose trust in your company, it is understood that if a business shows "this is not a secure site", it has a high chance of losing its customers.

In the evolving technological world, it has become difficult for every businesses as well as persons to keep their customers information or personal information secure on the the web.

There is an utmost need for everyone to keep their information secure in this modern technologically growing world. HTTPS can help everyone on the web keep themselves protected from socially unethical hackers.