FX Technology has covered the topic of cybersecurity and general online safety a few times. While a lot of the advice for staying safe online comes down to you and what you do when you’re using the web, tech companies also make their own efforts to keep you safe. One of the most recent implementations in online security has been the emphasis on encryption of data. If you’ve noticed familiar websites changing the “http” part of their address to “https”, and others giving you a security warning, this is the reason. In this blog, your IT management team explains what all of this means.
What Does HTTP Mean?
HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. This protocol is what defines how the messages that make up the web are transmitted and formatted. HTTP is what tells web servers and web browsers to do with the information they’re exchanging, resulting in what you see and what actions you can take when you’re online. Entering an address into the bar at the top of your browser sends an HTTP request to a server, which then fetches the site located at that web address.
How HTTPS Works
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. What this means is that, while it functions in the same way, it offers an added level of security as the data being sent and received is also encrypted. Data being encrypted means that it’s essentially scrambled for anyone not directly involved in the request and receipt of the data. This helps to keep various actions and transactions online more secure.
How to Know a Site is Secure
In recent years there has been a major movement to shifting websites to HTTPS. Depending on the type of browser you use, you’ll see a different indicator in the address bar at the top as to whether or not a site is secure. In Chrome, for example, the message “not secure” will appear before non-HTTPS sites. Sites that are enabled with HTTPS will display a padlock image to show it’s secure.
The Pros and Cons of HTTPS
For the end-user of a website, the biggest benefit of HTTPS is the added level of security. For webmasters, site owners, or businesses that make a lot of use of their web presence, HTTPS instills trust in users and customers. It can also keep data safe on both ends. While there is a cost in getting a site HTTPS certified, the peace of mind in keeping user and owner data safe is worth it far more often than not.
Find Your IT Management Solution with FX Technology
If you’re in need of full IT management services for your company, contact the team at FX Technology today. We can provide IT infrastructure for your home or business from the ground up, with ongoing management, backup, and maintenance to make sure your systems are secure and dependable.