Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a set of rules browsers use to determine how to read and transfer data over the web. When a URL includes “http,” the browser knows to follow this protocol to successfully load a web page.
HTTPS is the same as HTTP except HTTPS tells a browser to encrypt the data exchanged with a web page. Encryption disguises data and lessens the chance that your information is viewed or manipulated. This is important when a website includes sensitive data like your personal details or financial information.
Set up HTTPS
To use HTTPS with your domain name, you need a SSL or TLS certificate installed on your website. Your web host (Web Hosting Provider) may offer HTTPS security or you can request a SSL/TLS certificate from Certificate Authorities and install it yourself. SSL/TLS certificates may need to be renewed periodically.
There are different types of web servers, and each has its own process for installing and updating SSL/TLS certificates. You will need to find out which web server your website is using and follow its instructions for installing and updating your certificate.
HTTPS from web hosts
The following Google services automatically issue, install, and renew SSL/TLS certificates at no additional cost:
Many 3rd party web hosts also issue, install, and renew SSL/TLS certificates. You can use any web host in combination with Google Domains, including Bluehost, Shopify, Squarespace, Weebly, and Wix.
Get an SSL/TLS certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA)
If your web host doesn’t offer HTTPS security, you can obtain an SSL/TLS certificate for your domain from a CA. Let’s Encrypt is a CA that provides certificates in the interest of creating a safer Internet.
You must work with your web host to install the certificate. If you host your site on your own servers, learn how to enable HTTPS.Safeguard your SSL/TLS certificates
HTTPS helps prevent Man in the Middle (MitM) attacks, but if someone can impersonate your SSL/TLS certificate, those attacks are still possible. To prevent this, you should review certificates issued for your website that you don’t recognize. You can also restrict who can issue certificates for your domain with Certification Authority Authorization (CAA) resource records.
View certificates issued for your domain
To review certificates issued for your domain, you can search on censys.io.
Add CAA resource records to your domain