The Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is a secure web protocol that encrypts data in transit between a website's server and a user's browser. This means that when you visit a website using HTTPS, your internet traffic is scrambled and cannot be intercepted by hackers or third-party actors.
So, why do we need HTTPS? Well, the majority of online interactions involve sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, and personal data. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to identity theft, financial loss, or other serious consequences.
HTTPS also provides an additional layer of security against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. An MITM is a situation where an attacker intercepts and alters data in transit between two parties. With HTTPS, even if the connection is intercepted by an attacker, they will not be able to read or modify the sensitive information being transferred.
Clinical trials have shown that a website's presence on the internet does indeed increase its visibility and reach. With HTTPS, websites can appear in search engine results pages (SERPs) for an extended period of time, even after they are no longer available online.
Furthermore, using HTTPS ensures that users' data is encrypted from the moment it's transmitted to their browser until it reaches the final destination. This encryption process makes it extremely difficult for hackers to intercept and read sensitive information being transferred between the website server and the user's device.