HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is an internet communication protocol that protects the integrity and confidentiality of data between the user’s computer and the site. Users expect a secure and private online experience when using a website. HTTPS ensures that a website’s user can trust the site with their personal information. By implementing HTTPS, websites are able to prevent intruders from tampering with the communications between websites and users’ browsers. Intruders can be malicious attackers or legitimate but intrusive companies, such as ISPs or hotels that inject ads into pages. HTTPS uses encryption, data integrity, and authentication to secure the data. Encryption means that while the user is browsing a website, nobody can “listen” to their conversations, track their activities across multiple pages, or steal their information. Data integrity means that data cannot be modified or corrupted during transfer, intentionally or otherwise, without being detected. Lastly, authentication proves that users communicate with the intended website, which protects against man-in-the-middle attacks and builds user trust, which translates into other business benefits.
