HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, using TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption to protect data transmitted between browsers and servers.
Why HTTPS matters
- Security: Encrypts data in transit
- Privacy: Prevents eavesdropping
- Integrity: Data can't be modified in transit
- Authentication: Verifies website identity
- SEO: HTTPS is a Google ranking signal
- Features: Many web APIs require HTTPS
HTTP vs HTTPS
| Aspect | HTTP | HTTPS | |--------|------|-------| | Encryption | No | Yes | | Port | 80 | 443 | | URL | http:// | https:// | | Certificate | Not needed | Required |
HTTPS indicators
Modern browsers show:
- Lock icon in address bar
- "Not Secure" warning for HTTP
- Certificate information on click
Implementing HTTPS
- Obtain an SSL/TLS certificate
- Install certificate on server
- Redirect HTTP to HTTPS
- Update internal links
- Update canonical URLs
How VitalSentinel handles this
VitalSentinel is your website's revenue insurance for HTTPS reliability. Uptime monitoring verifies that your site responds over HTTPS, that the TLS handshake succeeds, and that your certificate is valid. You find out in hours, not weeks, when a misconfiguration or expired cert breaks the lock icon and tanks visitor trust.
Related Terms
Downtime
Periods when a website or service is unavailable or not functioning properly for users.
Page Experience
A set of signals that Google uses to measure how users perceive the experience of interacting with a web page beyond its pure information value.
SSL Certificate
A digital certificate that authenticates a website's identity and enables an encrypted connection between a web server and browser.
Uptime Monitoring
A type of monitoring that continuously checks whether a website or service is available and responding to requests.