What is SSL and HTTPS - How Does HTTPS and SSL Work

When running a website, it is of utmost importance to uphold security benchmarks as it some of the time includes others entrusting their da...

When running a website, it is of utmost importance to uphold security benchmarks as it some of the time includes others entrusting their data to you. Security has been the sole reason why we most websites are moving from HTTP addresses to HTTPS. As much as it takes no effort to type the extra letter, it makes all the difference when it comes to website security. SSL/TLS and HTTPS have a primary influence with regards to site security.

These security standards ensure that the website is protected as well as making sure it ranks well. Setting up the necessary SSL certificate and enforcing HTTPS is not complicated. Below is a detailed description of SSL and HTTPS and how they work and configuring WordPress to use HTTPS and SSL.

What is SSL and When to Use It?

SSL represents Secure Sockets Layer, which is an innovation that is used to guarantee a protected association between a client and the server. At whatever point an exchange happens on websites that utilize SSL, the ‘certificates’ let you realize your private data is protected.

By and large, one can recognize sites that use these certificates because of the lock image utilized by numerous browsers to distinguish them. For example, when doing on the web exchanges, one should ensure that the sites are using SSL. Setting up the necessary SSL certificates for WordPress Hosting is simple and should be done to make sure one reaps the benefits.

What is HTTPS and How Does It Work?

It stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Usually, HTTPS is used to transmit data after SSL certificates set up is complete. Mostly, websites either use HTTP or HTTPS at the beginning of their URL addresses.

The principle behind HTTP and HTTPS is similar to security being the only difference between the two. However, safety on a website is guaranteed only when there are SSL certificates in place alongside HTTPS.

Benefits of HTTPS on WordPress Website

As much as HTTPS is recommended for online selling websites, it is also essential for other websites such as WordPress. HTTPS helps the site maintain the required levels of security. Also, it enables the site to rank well on searches as it makes part of the Google ranking algorithm.

Configuring HTTPS WordPress

There are two ways through which one can use to configure their WordPress websites.

Method # 1: Using WordPress Dashboard and 301 Redirect

As earlier stated, the process of setting up the necessary SSL certificates is rather straightforward. However, the setup process gets a bit complicated for websites that are a little older.

When configuring, one should start by opening the settings under the general tab. Under settings, one finds both WordPress Address and Site Address with the pair using HTTP. To configure, one will need to switch the prefix from HTTP to HTTPS in both addresses and save the changes appropriately.

Method # 2: Setting via WordPress SSL Plugin

The approach is usually used by people who don’t like working with the WordPress files directly. It is deemed simpler and riskier than the method mentioned above. For example, by using this approach, one runs the risk of experiencing downtime in case any compatibility issues come up. As such, one should choose the SSL plugin carefully.

Fixing WordPress Caching Plugin Error

There is a tendency for websites to try load over HTTP leading to various errors. However, errors arising from WordPress caching plugin can solve by clearing the WordPress cache.

Conclusion

Previously, people believed that WordPress SSL certificates were for organizations that handled sensitive customer data. However, this notion was dismissed as both SSL certificates and HTTPS have been deemed a must-have for WordPress and WordPress Alternative websites. Luckily, the process to have all this is simple for many individuals to understand.