A secure connection on the internet is not just recommended these days, but necessary. It protects both website owners and visitors from various cyber threats.
But how do you recognise a secure connection, and what does the lock you often see in your browser’s address bar mean?
In this article, we answer these questions and explain how to get a secure connection for your own website.
HTTP or HTTPS?
A secure connection can be recognised by the padlock that appears in your browser’s address bar, as well as by the use of HTTPS in the URL instead of the unsecured HTTP.
HTTPS indicates that the communication between your browser and the website is encrypted, making it harder for hackers to intercept or manipulate the data exchanged. No encrypted connection is established via HTTP.
What does the padlock on a website mean?
The padlock is a visual indication that the website uses an SSL security certificate to create a secure connection. This certificate encrypts data and can provide various forms of validation:
- Black padlock: a standard indicator of a secure HTTPS connection. It means that the connection between the browser and the website is encrypted, but does not necessarily provide information about the identity of the website owner.
- Green padlock: a green padlock used to indicate SSL certificates with extended validation. However, browsers have largely done away with the specific colour coding, and now mostly use a standard lock with no colour indication to indicate a secure connection.
How do you get a padlock on your website?
To get a padlock on your website, you need to set up an SSL certificate.
Read: How do I install an SSL certificate?
Conclusion
The padlock in your browser’s address bar is an important indicator of a secure connection, protecting the privacy and security of both website owners and visitors.