With the rise of internet security breaches and hacking, a lot of companies are turning to SSL certificates to protect themselves. But what’s the difference between an HTTP and an SSL certificate? How long do they last? Is there a fee involved? Here, we break down the difference so you can make a smart choice for your business.

What is HTTP?

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is the underlying protocol used by the World Wide Web and defines how messages are formatted and transmitted. HTTP is a request-response protocol, meaning that a client (such as a web browser) sends a request to a server (such as a web server), and the server responds. The client may then send another request, and so on.

HTTP is a stateless protocol, which means that each request is independent of any other request. This makes it simple and efficient, but it also means that HTTP cannot be used for applications that require persistent connections or stateful information (such as a shopping cart). For these applications, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is used instead.

HTTPS is simply HTTP with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. SSL is a security protocol that encrypts data sent over the internet. This encryption makes it difficult for anyone to intercept and read the data, ensuring that sensitive information remains private. HTTPS is often used for online banking or shopping, where privacy and security are of paramount importance.

So, which should you choose for your website? If security and privacy are not concerns, then HTTP is the simpler and more efficient option.

What is SSL?

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a technology that encrypts communication between a website and a user’s web browser. This ensures that any information exchanged between the two is private and secure. SSL is commonly used to protect confidential information such as credit card numbers and login credentials.

SSL is an important security measure for any website that collects personal information from users. If your website does not have SSL, it is likely that potential customers will go elsewhere to find a website that does offer this level of protection.

While SSL is not required for all websites, it is strongly recommended for any site that collects sensitive information from users. If you are not sure whether or not your website should have SSL, you can speak to a web development professional for guidance.

HTTP vs. SSL

HTTP and SSL are both protocols used to communicate between a web server and a web browser. They are both responsible for making sure that data is transferred securely between the two devices. However, there are some key differences between the two protocols.

SSL is the more secure protocol. It uses stronger encryption algorithms to protect data. Additionally, SSL creates a secure connection between the server and the browser. This means that data cannot be intercepted and read by third parties.

HTTP, on the other hand, is not as secure. It uses weaker encryption algorithms, which makes it easier for third parties to intercept and read data. Additionally, HTTP does not create a secure connection between the server and the browser. This means that data can be easily read by anyone who has access to the network traffic.

So, which protocol should you choose for your website? If security is a concern, then you should choose SSL. However, if speed is more important than security, then HTTP may be a better option.

The Difference Between HTTPS and HTTP

SSL and HTTP are two different protocols that are used to communicate between a web server and a web browser. SSL is the more secure protocol and is typically used for websites that handle sensitive information, such as online banking or e-commerce sites. HTTP is the less secure protocol and is typically used for non-sensitive information, such as general interest websites.

Benefits of HTTPS over HTTP

When it comes to website security, HTTPS is the clear winner over HTTP. HTTPS provides a number of benefits that make it the superior choice for website security.

Firstly, HTTPS is more secure than HTTP because it uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit. This means that data sent over HTTPS is much less likely to be intercepted and read by third parties.

Secondly, HTTPS is more reliable than HTTP because it uses a digitally signed certificate to authenticate the website. This helps to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, where someone could intercept and modify data as it’s being sent between the user and the website.

Thirdly, HTTPS is faster than HTTP because it uses a shorter and more efficient handshake process. This reduces the amount of time needed to establish a connection, which can improve website performance.

Finally, HTTPS is becoming increasingly important for SEO purposes. Google has stated that they give preference to websites that use HTTPS, so it’s likely that this trend will continue in the future.

Overall, HTTPS provides a number of advantages over HTTP in terms of security, reliability, speed, and SEO. If you’re looking to choose a protocol for your website

Who Supports HTTPS?

There are a few different types of SSL, but the most common is TLS (Transport Layer Security). HTTPS uses TLS to encrypt communication between your website and visitors’ web browsers. Any browser that supports TLS can connect to an HTTPS website. The major web browsers all support TLS, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari, and Opera.

What is the Difference Between HTTPs and SSL?

If you’re wondering whether to use HTTP or HTTPS for your website, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t always clear cut. In this blog post, we’ll break down the difference between HTTP and HTTPS, and explain when you should use each one.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol for communication on the web. It’s been around since the early days of the internet, and is still in use today. HTTPS (Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is an extension of HTTP that adds security features such as encrypted communication and authentication.

So, which one should you use? The short answer is that it depends on your needs. If security is a high priority for your website, then HTTPS is the way to go. However, if security is less of a concern, then HTTP may be sufficient.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the differences between HTTP and HTTPS:

Security: HTTPS adds security features that make it more difficult for attackers to eavesdrop on communication or tamper with data. If security is a high priority for your website, then HTTPS is the way to go.

Performance: HTTPS can have a negative impact on performance

Why should you switch to an SSL secured website?

If you’re running a website, you’ve likely heard of SSL. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and it’s a security protocol that helps to keep your site safe from hackers. It’s important to note that SSL is different from HTTP, which is the protocol that your browser uses to access websites. When you visit a website over HTTPS, all of the data that’s exchanged between your browser and the server is encrypted. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to eavesdrop on the traffic and steal any sensitive information.

So, why should you switch to an SSL secured website? There are a few reasons:

1. It’s more secure: As mentioned above, SSL helps to keep your website safe from hackers. If you’re handling any sensitive information on your site (e.g., user passwords or credit card numbers), it’s important to have SSL in place to protect that data.

2. It builds trust: These days, users are becoming more and more aware of online security threats. When they see that a website is using SSL, it gives them peace of mind that their information will be safe. As a result, they’re more likely to do business with you.

How do I get an SSL certificate?

If you’re looking to add an SSL certificate to your website, there are a few different ways to go about it. You can purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), or you can generate a self-signed certificate. Once you have your certificate, you’ll need to install it on your web server and configure your site to use HTTPS.

Where can I get a free SSL certificate?

There are many ways to get a free SSL certificate for your website. One way is to use the Let’s Encrypt service, which is a free, automated, and open certificate authority. Another way is to use a web host that offers free SSL certificates, such as Bluehost or HostGator. You can also purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority such as Comodo or Symantec.

When should I renew my certificate?

If you’re using an SSL certificate on your website, you should plan to renew it every year. Depending on the type of certificate you have, you may be able to renew it for multiple years at a time. However, it’s generally best to renew your certificate annually to ensure that it remains up to date.

Conclusion

So, which protocol should you choose for your website? If you’re running an e-commerce site or any other type of site where security is paramount, SSL is the way to go. However, if you’re just running a simple blog or informational website, HTTP will suffice. Just remember that SSL does come with some performance overhead, so if speed is a primary concern for your website, HTTP may be the better option.