HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) is now being used by online brands across the marketplace as a way to secure their users’ connection to their site. As opposed to HTTP, all HTTPS traffic is encrypted and therefore protected against outside intrusion. Within this latest article, we’ll take a look at HTTPS in more detail and explain the benefits of harnessing the protocol for business sites.
How Does HTTPS Work?
HTTPS pages use one of two secure protocols – SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt online communications. When a user requests a HTTPS connection to the webpage, the website will send its SSL certificate to the browser. This certificate contains a public access key that will begin the secure session. This then initiates an SSL “handshake” and allows for a shared, private connection between the user and the site.
The Benefits of HTTPS
So now we know how HTTPS works, it’s important to analyze the protocol’s benefits and the way in which it helps improve the service experience for online customers. The benefits of HTTPS include the following:
- Customer data is encrypted. A leading advantage of HTTPS over HTTP is that all customer data is completely encrypted. Information such as credit card details cannot be intercepted when a company uses HTTPS. This gives users a sense of confidence in the business and will make them more likely to trust the company with their data.
- Helps verify a business. One common challenge for online buyers is distinguishing between a real business and a business pretending to offer a certain product or service. HTTPS helps to verify the business and related website is authentic and helps to further improve the level of trust between the organization and its customers.
- Improved search value. When a search engine user searches for a product online, they’ll be presented with unique information on the search page highlighting the details of companies at the top of their industry. A firm’s HTTPS connection will be highlighted within the search engine, giving the company a competitive edge over others in the marketplace not capitalizing on this security feature.
It’s the latest tool to help secure online transactions and protect the data of business customers. Whether you’re an online retail firm owner or a marketing industry leader, the use of HTTPS can highlight the value you place on data security. To discover more on HTTPS and the benefits its use can offer businesses across the globe, contact our expert team today.