[x_section style=”margin: 0px -45px -25px -45px; padding: 45px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]Whether you are browsing the internet or your business has a public-facing website (especially one that collects or shares any sort of personal information or login credentials), understanding the importance of HTTPS is critical to ensuring online security. To fully appreciate why HTTPS is becoming a best practice, let’s start at the beginning and understand what the “S” represents. HTTPS indicates that a given website has additional layers of security, better known as HTTPs encryption and HTTPS certificates.

HTTPS encryption means that any information you input into a site is sent across the internet using encryption, whereas older (non-HTTPS) web protocols send this information in a plain text format. All it takes is one hacker to do a lot of damage if the information isn’t automatically encrypted.

HTTPS certificates are the second part of the updated web security protocol. While the backend of how these certificates exactly work is a little more complicated to understand, the basic idea is that HTTPS certificates create a site verification process that makes it nearly impossible for hackers to redirect web traffic to malicious websites that mimic credible sites.

Now you’re probably beginning to understand why HTTPS is so important both from a browsing and business website management perspective. If you are a business, how secure is your website? If you’re not already using HTTPS, what are you waiting for? Surely, you don’t want to wait until there’s been a breach of customer data before you update your site.

In addition, if you’re browsing the internet, don’t ignore warnings from your browser or network about sites that aren’t secure. Never click “proceed anyway” if you are given a security warning before a website is opened – this means that your browser has detected red flags and the site may be compromised. And no matter what, if a site isn’t HTTPS verified, never share any personal information or create login credentials for that site.

Are you ready to enhance your cybersecurity by upgrading your site to HTTPS and educating your users on safe web browsing practices? The team at ATB is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our wide range of IT security services.[/x_text][x_prompt type=”left” title=”Call Us Today” message=”Give us a call: 314-878-4166″ button_text=”Contact Us Online” button_icon=”comment” circle=”false” href=”/contact/” href_title=”” target=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section]

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