HTTPS translates to HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It is used as an underlying code on the world wide web and defines how messages should be formatted then transmitted. Although it does compare closely to HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) it has a layer of added security known as a Secure Socket Layer or SSL. With an SSL, all communication between your website and browser is encrypted.

How to get HTTPS

In order to provide your website the best security, you must follow these 5 simple steps:

Step 1:

The first step is to host a dedicated IP address. When using a non-dedicated IP address, you are placed within a shared IP where several websites are using your same location. With a shared location, you are able to make sure that all traffic going to this IP address are only going to your website. The only downfall of a dedicated IP address is you will more than likely be charged. However, it is very affordable, you will receive more traffic through your website, and all information will be secured.

Step 2:

The next step is to purchase a certificate. This is a way of proving that your website is your website, kind of like an ID. This certificate is just a paragraph of letters and numbers that only your site can know. This is important so that when individuals are visiting your site via HTTPS, their browser lets them know that your site is who it says it is and all flowing information will be encrypted. The good thing about this is you may actually build this information yourself. However, a copy of this information must be sent to Certificate Authorities to be verified and in order to be verified through the CA, you must purchase a certificate through them.

Step 3:

The third step is to activate your certificate. We suggest contacting your website host before proceeding to do this step yourself. However, if you are activating the certificate yourself, you must generate a Certificate Signing Request or a CSR. You will have access to this information within the web hosting control panel.

Step 4:

During this time, you should install the certificate. Again, your host may do this for you so we suggest speaking with them before proceeding with step yourself. However, if you are performing this step yourself, it is very simple. You will simply need to paste your certificate into the web host control panel.

Step 5:

By reaching this final step you should be able to reach your site by using HTTPS. However, you should be sure that you are only protecting a few pages, like the checkout page and log in. If you chose to secure all pages you are more than likely slowing down the experience and using unnecessary encryption processes.

We hope these 5 simples steps have helped you. Having an added layer of security provides a better experience for not only the individuals visiting your site but also you. With HTTPS you no longer need to worry about lost or stolen information. more security means more trusting customers, which means more traffic to your site.