If you’ve ever noticed the little padlock icon in your browser’s address bar, you’ve seen HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) in action. It’s a secure version of HTTP—the basic protocol that lets your browser communicate with a website. That extra “S” stands for “secure,” and it means that the data sent between your browser and the website is encrypted.

In short, HTTPS helps keep things private. It’s a big deal for any site that collects user information, like passwords, credit cards, or personal data. Without HTTPS, that info could be exposed to hackers or other prying eyes. That’s why it’s become a web standard, especially for businesses and ecommerce sites.

Why HTTPS matters for your website

Security isn’t just for banks and big companies—it's essential for every website. When your site uses HTTPS, you’re protecting your visitors’ information from being intercepted by attackers. This creates a layer of trust between you and your audience.

But HTTPS does more than just encrypt data. It helps with authenticity (making sure users are connecting to the right site) and protects data integrity (so content isn’t altered along the way). Search engines like Google also use HTTPS as a ranking factor, giving your SEO a boost if you’re secured.

How HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) works

HTTPS works using a system called TLS (Transport Layer Security). This system encrypts data so that only the user and the site can read it. It starts with an SSL/TLS handshake, which helps verify the server and sets up secure keys for the session.

Once the handshake is complete, all the information exchanged is scrambled and unreadable to outsiders. This includes passwords, payment details, and even what pages a user visits. This keeps data private and makes attacks like “man-in-the-middle” much harder to pull off.

The difference between HTTP and HTTPS

At a glance, the difference might seem small—it’s just one letter. But under the hood, HTTPS provides a significant security upgrade. While HTTP sends data in plain text, HTTPS encrypts everything using TLS.

This encryption means that even if someone intercepts your data, they can’t make sense of it. Modern browsers now flag HTTP sites as “Not Secure,” which can scare away potential customers. If you're running a professional site or a business, HTTPS is the new standard.

When should you use HTTPS on your website?

The short answer: always. Whether you run a blog, a portfolio, or an online store, HTTPS is essential. It doesn’t just protect user data—it helps legitimize your site and build trust.

You should especially use HTTPS if your site collects any personal information or lets users log in. It’s also a good move for blogging, since search engines prefer secure sites and may rank them higher. Plus, HTTPS is free and easy to implement, especially if you’re using a platform like the B12 AI website builder.

FAQs about HTTPS

What does HTTPS protect against?

HTTPS helps prevent attackers from intercepting or tampering with the data sent between your browser and the website. It guards against “man-in-the-middle” attacks and ensures that what you see and what you send stays secure.

Is HTTPS the same as having an SSL certificate?

Almost! HTTPS uses an SSL or TLS certificate to encrypt data. These certificates verify that your site is legitimate and help create a secure connection between your site and visitors’ browsers.

Can HTTPS improve my website's SEO?

Yes, it can. Search engines like Google use HTTPS as a ranking signal. That means secure sites may appear higher in search results, which helps bring in more organic traffic.

Do all websites need HTTPS?

Yes, all websites should use HTTPS. Even if you’re not collecting sensitive info, HTTPS improves user trust, helps with performance, and avoids browser warnings that scare users off.

How do I switch my website to HTTPS?

You’ll need to get an SSL/TLS certificate and install it on your web server. Many website builders and hosting services offer free certificates and automatic setup, so it’s often a quick fix that makes a big impact.

Build a secure, trusted site with ease

HTTPS is more than just a tech term—it’s a must-have for any modern website. It helps you protect your visitors, gain credibility, and even improve your visibility in search engines. If you’re building or updating your site, don’t skip this step.

B12’s AI website builder takes care of security for you, including HTTPS setup right out of the box. Sign up to launch a trusted, professional site today.