HTTPS

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of the protocol browsers and web servers use to communicate. The "S" means the connection is encrypted with SSL/TLS ✕ SSL/TLS is the encryption protocol that secures the connection between your browser and a website, so data like passwords can't be read in transit. More in the glossary → , so data between you and the website can't be read or altered in transit. Browsers show HTTPS pages with a padlock; without it, they warn that the site is "not secure." HTTPS is now the standard for the entire web and is seen as a trust and SEO ✕ SEO (search engine optimization) covers all the measures that get a website to appear higher in Google's unpaid results and thereby attract more visitors. More in the glossary → signal. It requires a valid SSL certificate ✕ An SSL certificate is a website's digital "credential" that enables TLS encryption and confirms the site is genuine. Recognizable by the padlock and "https." More in the glossary → . More in the best web hosting comparison.