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HTTPS

Last updated: Aug 25, 2023

https://cmlabs.co/en-il/seo-terms/what-is-https

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HTTPS Definition

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure or HTTPS is a communication protocol on the internet network which is a secure version of HTTP. HTTPS uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) / TLS (Transport Layer Security) to support encryption and authentication so that the communication and data exchange process between websites and users becomes more secure.

Unlike the HTTP protocol, which uses port 80. Since May 2000, RFC2818 has specified that the default port used for HTTPS is 443. Another difference between HTTP and HTTPS is that HTTPS URLs start with https:// instead of http://. Take a look at the following sample URLs from websites that use HTTPS:

https://tools.cmlabs.co/

cmlabs

In modern browsers, websites that use HTTPS are marked with a lock symbol on the left of the URL address. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari users can press the lock symbol to view detailed information about the SSL certificate used by the website. You can also use the SSL checker to check the validity of the SSL certificate.

How HTTPS Works

To know how HTTPS work, please read thoroughly the following process:

When a user requests access to a website, the browser will first check whether the destination website has an SSL/TLS certificate. If an SSL/TLS certificate is found, there will be an SSL handshake process involving the private key and public key for the encryption and decryption process.

After the SSL certificate has been successfully validated, then the server and client will generate a session key. This indicates that data communication can be carried out and is guaranteed safe. The browser will then display the requested page in response to the user's request. In a simple summary, that is how HTTPS work.

HTTPS Functions

Using HTTPS can improve website performance on search engines. Here are some HTTPS functions you need to know:

Ensure Website Data Security

One of the HTTPS functions is to ensure the security of website data. The encryption and authentication system on HTTPS will prevent data leakage and hacking by third parties. That way, users will also feel more secure when surfing your website.

Increase Website Credibility

The use of HTTPS can minimize user worries regarding hacking or leaking the personal data they put on your website. In addition, search engines will also consider your site as a trustworthy site, because it keeps the privacy and security of its user data.

Optimizing Website Ranking in SERP

HTTPS has an important role in assessing the ranking of a website in the SERP. This is because search engines assess sites that use the HTTPS protocol will be more secure from cybercrime attacks. Therefore, using HTTPS is one of the right strategies to optimize a website's ranking in the SERPs.