HTTP vs HTTPS
One of the most common security issues plaguing websites is the failure of the secure HTTPS protocol to load fully. The alarming not secure notification in the browser's address bar is an unfortunately familiar sight on many sites. The most common causes are the absence of an SSL/TLS certificate, lack of HTTPS redirection, or mixed media content.
HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the protocol browsers and web servers use for interactive data transfer. HTTPS is the secured form of HTTP that utilizes SSL/TLS encryption protocols. Metaphorically, HTTP says to a website: give me the page, while HTTPS says: give me this page, but keep our interaction secret and prove that you are who I think you are.
Security is also search engine friendly, as one of Google's ranking criteria is the use of HTTPS on a website. Its absence therefore directly affects not only the company's public image but also its visibility.
An Unencrypted Connection Compromises Security
The absence of HTTPS is comparable to leaving your apartment doors open for intruders. Data leaving the site is particularly at risk, as an attacker can easily monitor and redirect traffic on the site. In practice, this can mean phishing for personal data or manipulating data in transit. For example, an attacker could intercept a message sent through a form, capture its data, and even infect it with a virus.
No Reason Not to Use It
Whatever your website looks like, implementing an SSL certificate and HTTPS across the entire site is worthwhile. It is completely free through services like Let's Encrypt, and some hosting providers also offer the certificate pre-installed. Once this is in place, there is no need to worry about someone freely accessing unencrypted data or potential customers leaving the site because of a not secure warning.
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