Understanding the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS
- January 20, 2025
- Business Insights

If you’ve ever looked at the web addresses you visit, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that some begin with “http://” and others with “https://”. But what do these letters actually imply, and why should you care? Let us break it down.
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, and it is the cornerstone of how data is transferred on the internet. Every time you visit a website, your browser and the website’s server connect via HTTP to send the data required to show the page—such as images, text, and videos.
However, HTTP has a fundamental drawback: it is not secure. Data transferred between your browser and the server is in plain text. If someone intercepts the connection, they can access sensitive data such as passwords or credit card information.
This highlights the necessity for a better option: HTTPS.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is just HTTP with an added layer of security. This is accomplished via SSL/TLS encryption or Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security.
HTTPS encrypts the data passed between your browser and the website’s server, making it almost difficult for hackers to steal or tamper with it.
HTTPS-enabled websites may be identified by the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar, which is commonly followed by “https://” at the beginning of the URL.
What Is The Difference?
1. ENCRYPTION
- HTTP: No encryption. This means data is transmitted in plain text, and thus it can easily be intercepted.
- HTTPS: Encrypts the data, thus sensitive information will remain private and secure.
2. SECURITY INDICATORS
- HTTP: No padlock icon. Some browsers even flag HTTP sites as “Not Secure.”
- HTTPS: The padlock icon is shown to the user, indicating that the connection is secure.
3. SEO BOOST
- HTTP: Not favoured by search engines.
- HTTPS: Google gives slight ranking boost to HTTPS sites, promoting secure practices.
4. TRUST AND CREDIBILITY
- HTTP: May deter users from entering their personal or payment information.
- HTTPS: This helps build confidence, especially for e-commerce and login-based sites.
Why Does It Matter?
HTTPS isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a security powerhouse. By encrypting data, it keeps sensitive information like passwords and credit card details safe from hackers. Plus, HTTPS gives your website an SEO boost, as search engines like Google prioritise secure sites in rankings.
Users are more likely to trust and engage with sites displaying that reassuring padlock icon, which is critical for building credibility. On top of that, many regulations, such as GDPR, recommend or mandate encryption for protecting personal data, making HTTPS not just smart but essential for compliance.
Should You Switch Your Website To HTTPS?
Is HTTPS more secure than HTTP? ABSOLUTELY! Transitioning to HTTPS isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential in today’s digital landscape. Most hosting providers and website platforms make it easy to obtain an SSL certificate, which is needed to enable HTTPS.
Conclusion
HTTP and HTTPS serve the same purpose of transferring data between browsers and servers, but HTTPS does it with added security, trust, and SEO benefits. If you’re a website owner, moving to HTTPS is no longer optional—it’s a must. For users, always prioritise secure sites, especially when entering personal or payment details.
The internet can be a risky place, but HTTPS is here to make it safer for everyone. So next time you spot that little padlock in your browser, you’ll know exactly what it means—and why it matters.