What Is HTTPS?
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the encrypted version of HTTP, the protocol used to transfer data between web browsers and websites. HTTPS uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption to protect data in transit, preventing eavesdropping, tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
HTTPS is indicated by a padlock icon in the browser's address bar and the 'https://' prefix in the URL. Since 2014, Google has used HTTPS as a ranking signal, giving secure sites a small SEO advantage. Most browsers now warn users when visiting non-HTTPS sites.
HTTPS requires an SSL/TLS certificate, which can be obtained for free through services like Let's Encrypt or through your hosting provider. Many modern platforms (Cloudflare, Netlify, Vercel) include SSL certificates automatically.
Why This Matters for Startups
HTTPS is non-negotiable for any modern website. Browsers flag non-HTTPS sites as 'Not Secure,' which destroys user trust and hurts conversions. Google penalizes non-HTTPS sites in rankings. The good news: if you're using any modern hosting platform, HTTPS is typically free and automatic. Some TLDs like .app and .dev actually require HTTPS by default — you can't serve a non-encrypted site on those extensions.
Ready to Find Your Startup's Domain?
Browse our curated collection of premium domains or get a free appraisal on any name.
Browse Premium Domains