TL;DR
HTTPS (HTTP Secure) encrypts all data between your browser and a website. The S means your passwords, credit cards, and personal data are scrambled so no one can read them while they travel across the internet. Modern hosting platforms like Vercel and Netlify provide HTTPS automatically for free. Every production website should use HTTPS.
The Simple Explanation
When you visit a website, your browser and the server exchange information. With regular HTTP, this is like sending a postcard. Anyone who handles it can read what's written.
HTTPS is like putting that message in a locked box. Only you and the recipient have the key. Even if someone intercepts it, they can't read it.
HTTP vs HTTPS
| Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Data encryption | None (plain text) | TLS encryption |
| Can be intercepted | Yes, easily | Encrypted if intercepted |
| Identity verification | None | Certificate validates server |
| Browser indication | "Not Secure" warning | Lock icon |
| SEO impact | Penalized | Ranking boost |
What HTTPS Protects
- Confidentiality: No one can read data in transit
- Integrity: Data can't be modified without detection
- Authentication: You're connected to the real server
Getting HTTPS for Your Site
Automatic (Most Common)
These platforms provide HTTPS automatically:
- Vercel
- Netlify
- Cloudflare Pages
- Railway
- Render
- GitHub Pages
Manual (For Custom Setups)
If you need certificates manually:
- Let's Encrypt: Free, automated certificates
- Certbot: Tool to obtain and renew Let's Encrypt certs
- Cloudflare: Free SSL for any domain through their proxy
Why Every Site Needs HTTPS
Even if you don't handle passwords or payments:
- Browsers mark HTTP sites as "Not Secure"
- Google ranks HTTPS sites higher
- ISPs and networks can inject content into HTTP pages
- Many modern web features require HTTPS (geolocation, service workers, etc.)
- Users trust sites with the lock icon
Why do I need HTTPS if my site doesn't handle sensitive data?
HTTPS protects all data from tampering and eavesdropping. Without it, ISPs can inject ads, attackers can modify your content, and users can be tracked. Google also ranks HTTPS sites higher and browsers show security warnings for HTTP sites. Most hosting platforms provide free HTTPS, so there's no reason not to use it.
How do I get HTTPS for my website?
Most modern hosting platforms (Vercel, Netlify, Cloudflare) provide free HTTPS automatically. If you need a certificate manually, Let's Encrypt offers free SSL/TLS certificates. Many platforms auto-renew certificates so you don't have to manage them.
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTP sends data in plain text that anyone on the network can read. HTTPS encrypts all data using TLS (Transport Layer Security). With HTTPS, passwords, credit cards, and personal info are protected from eavesdroppers. HTTPS also verifies you're connected to the real server, preventing impersonation attacks.