SSL and HTTPS: A Technical Guide
Security is non-negotiable when owning a website. According to a study from Check Point Research, there has been a 30% increase in cyberattacks globally. With the rampant cases of various cyberattacks, keeping your website and customer information safe should be your top priority.
One of the most effective ways to secure your website from cyberattacks is to add an SSL certificate and HTTPS. But what is the difference between SSL and HTTPS?
This guide will define an SSL certificate and HTTPS and explain how they work together to secure your website.
SSL vs HTTPS: How are they different?
In comparing SSL vs HTTPS, it’s crucial to understand that HTTPS is the secure variant of the HTTP protocol, whereas SSL refers to the encryption procedure itself. Although they cooperate to guarantee the security of your website, they are not the same thing.
- SSL is the encryption protocol used to secure data.
- HTTPS is a secure web communication protocol that uses SSL/TLS to protect transmitted data.
Purpose:
- SSL is the underlying technology that enables secure communication by encrypting the data. It ensures that the information sent over the internet remains private and protected from interception.
- HTTPS is the protocol used for secure communication over the internet, indicating that a website uses SSL/TLS to protect user data. It ensures that users can trust the site with their information.
Usage:
- SSL is primarily focused on establishing a secure connection and is not limited to web traffic; it can also secure email, file transfers, and other types of data communication.
- HTTPS specifically pertains to web browsing. It is the protocol users see in their browser’s address bar, signifying that the website is secure.
Browser Indicator:
- When a site uses SSL, the connection is secure, but users may not see a specific indicator unless they know how to check the security certificate.
- When a site uses HTTPS, users typically see a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, clearly indicating a secure connection.
Although the terms are frequently used interchangeably, they refer to distinct steps in the security process.
Let’s dive into what SSL and HTTPS are and how they work to protect your site and your customers.
What is SSL?
Secure sockets layer (SSL) is a security tool that encrypts data transferred between a web browser and a server. It conceals data while in transit, preventing cybercriminals from stealing the information during a transaction.
SSL was originally developed in the 1990s. Its main function is safeguarding private information like payment details, login credentials, and personal data from hackers. It ensures that the data is encrypted, which helps prevent anyone from intercepting the communication.
Since technology has been evolving, SSL has now been updated. Today, the transport layer security (TLS) offers even stronger encryption. The TLS, being an upgraded version of SSL, fixes the existing vulnerabilities of SSL, such as:
- Poodle (Padding Oracle)
- BEAST (Browser Exploit Against SSL/TLS)
- CRIME (Compression Ratio Info-leak Make Easy)
- Heartbleed
What is transport layer security (TLS)?
This is the upgraded and more secure version of SSL. This security tool is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a network. It operates between the transport layer and application layer, acting as a protective shield for the data being transported from the two layers.
TLS and SSL are known as secure protocols because they safeguard sensitive information such as login credentials, financial data, and private information from cyberattacks.
How SSL encryption works: The role of keys and secure connections
The core of SSL/TLS technology are encryption and decryption processes. These processes are what make your website’s data safe. Moreover, they rely on a combination of public key and private key cryptographic protocols to initiate a secure connection between the user’s browser and the internet server.
Here’s how it works:
Public and private key
The SSL protocol utilizes a public key to encrypt data while the private key decrypts it. The public key is made available to anyone who visits your website, while the private key remains securely stored on the server.
Encryption and decryption processes
Once the user begins the connection with a secure website (using HTTPS), the browser and server start an SSL handshake. This process involves exchanging keys and acknowledging encryption methods. An encryption connection is established during the process, making sure that all information that was exchanged remains private and secure.
What is hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS)?
The hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), the primary protocol used to transmit data online.
HTTP is a protocol used to send data across the web through a client-server (web browser-web server model). It defines how web browsers (clients) request resources from web servers and how servers respond to these requests. Having an HTTPS means all data that passes between the browser and server are encrypted.
The encryption makes the date undecipherable until the site owner unlocks it, allowing site users to share sensitive information, like passwords and other private data, safely over the Internet.
The difference between HTTP and HTTPS matters when sending data from the user’s browser and the web server. HTTP sends data in plain text, while HTTPS uses SSL/TLS to encrypt the data before sending it between the user’s browser and the web server.
To simplify, HTTPS helps websites initiate secure and encrypted connections to ensure the data exchange stays hidden and protected. Most websites nowadays have secured HTTPS to provide security when transferring sensitive information, such as payment processing and user login credentials.
How HTTPS works: securing your website with confidence
When you see “https://” in front of the website’s URL, it signifies that the site has a secure, encrypted connection between web browsers and internet servers.
Here’s how HTTPS works to secure your website:
Establishing a secure connection
When a user enters your website’s URL with HTTPS, their web browser initiates a “handshake” with your web server. Your server provides the browser with an SSL certificate during this procedure. This certificate serves as evidence that your website is trustworthy and authentic.
Encrypting the data
The web browser encrypts the data using the SSL certificate’s public key after verifying it. Through the private key, your server will be the only one able to decode any data sent back and forth between the user and your website. This prevents unauthorized third parties and hackers from accessing the data while it’s in transit.
Seamless user experience
Your visitors will have a seamless, safe connection because all of this is happening behind the scenes. When they see the padlock icon and “HTTPS” in the address bar, it instantly boosts your site’s credibility and reassures them that their interactions are secure, fostering greater trust in your website.
How do SSL and HTTPS work together?
SSL and HTTPS are security tools that serve different purposes but complement each other.
SSL/TLS is the encryption technology, while HTTPS is the secure communication protocol. Combined, they safeguard the data being transferred between your web server and users, concealing it from unauthorized access.
The combination of SSL/TLS and HTTPS is what gives websites the padlock icon and the prefix https:// in the browser’s address bar. This sends a signal to users that your site is well protected and that any data being transmitted on your site is protected and secure.
The risks of not using SSL on your website
Now that you know the role of an SSL in HTTPS, let’s talk about why having an SSL certificate is important. Here’s a list of risks on websites without SSL certificates:
Data interception
Without SSL, data transmitted between your website and users, such as login credentials, payment information, or personal details, can be intercepted by hackers. This interception can occur when attackers capture and decode sensitive information as it travels over the internet.
Loss of customer trust
It’s not only a technical problem if your website isn’t secure; it’s a trust issue. If visitors believe their data may be in danger, they are less inclined to interact with your website, divulge personal information, or make transactions. This potentially results in decreased conversions and customer retention.
Negative SEO impact
Search engines prioritize secure websites in their rankings. Sites without SSL may experience a negative impact on search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Google, for instance, considers HTTPS as a ranking signal and may rank HTTPS-enabled sites higher than those without SSL, affecting your site’s visibility.
Plus, if your visitors don’t trust your website, then your organic traffic decreases. This tells search engines your website isn’t relevant, decreasing your search ranking.
Compliance issues
If your website handles sensitive data, such as credit card information, not using SSL could violate industry regulations and compliance standards. For example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) mandates the use of strong encryption mechanisms like SSL to protect cardholder data during transmission over public networks. Non-compliance could lead to penalties, fines, or even restrictions on conducting online transactions.
Increased vulnerability to phishing
Websites without SSL are more susceptible to phishing attacks. Phishing involves cybercriminals impersonating legitimate websites to deceive users into divulging sensitive information. Without SSL, attackers can more easily intercept communication between your site and users, facilitating phishing attempts that exploit trust and compromise user security.
Browser warnings
Modern web browsers display warnings to users when they attempt to visit sites without an SSL certificate. These warnings alert users to potential security risks, such as “Not Secure” messages in the browser address bar. Such warnings can deter visitors from accessing your site, adversely impacting traffic, credibility, and user experience.
Legal and financial consequences
In the event of a data breach or non-compliance with privacy laws, websites without SSL could face significant legal and financial repercussions. Depending on the jurisdiction and nature of the breach, consequences may include:
- legal liabilities
- regulatory fines
- remediation costs
- damage to brand reputation
Implementing an SSL certificate, among other security tools, helps mitigate these risks by safeguarding data integrity and demonstrating a commitment to protecting user privacy and security.
How to get an SSL certificate with Domain.com
With Domain.com, the process of acquiring an SSL certificate is straightforward:
- Proceed to Domain.com’s website and select the “Security” panel.
2. Choose SSL certificates and select which plan will suit your website most.
3. Install the SSL certificate on your web server. This step will often require technical assistance, but with Domain.com’s reliable hosting platform, the drag-and-drop editor will make the integration easy.
4. Ensure your website uses HTTPS and displays the padlock icon in the address bar.
Once your SSL certificate is installed, your website will be secured with SSL/TLS, and your users can browse with confidence knowing their data is protected.
Protect your site with Domain.com’s other security tools
At Domain.com, we take website security as a priority. Aside from an SSL certificate, we also offer other security features to help you create a safe web experience for your customers.
SiteLock Security
Add Sitelock protection to your website to secure your data and prevent malware from accessing it. Identifying weaknesses and stopping harmful activity before it compromises your data guards against fraudulent activity on your website.
In addition to automatically scanning and preventing malware installation to eliminate the threat, this function protects your customers’ data from hackers, gaining their trust.
Domain Privacy + Protection
Shielding your website is just one step ahead of cyber attackers. Adding Domain Privacy + Protection will keep your website from two potential online threats: hackers and human error. This security tool keeps your domain safe from third-party spammers and identity theft, masking your private details from the WHOIS database. You’re safeguarding not only your domain and website but also your reputation.
Securing your website is non-negotiable
Understanding the importance of keeping your website safe is essential for your brand’s success. Adding SSL/TLS and HTTPS aren’t just an upgrade – they’re vital for establishing credibility, protecting user data, and boosting visibility.
Elevate your website’s security by acquiring an SSL from Domain.com. Explore the best SSL plans and get updates from our knowledge-based blogs about website and domain tips.
