Definition
HTTPS
The secure version of HTTP that encrypts data between a visitor and a website.
Definition
HTTPS uses TLS encryption to protect requests and responses between the browser and the server.
Meaning
When a site uses HTTPS, visitors see a secure connection and browsers can trust that page data is not being sent in plain text.
Why It Matters
HTTPS is a baseline trust signal. It protects forms, search behavior, login pages, and analytics requests, and modern browsers warn users when a page is not secure.
History And Context
HTTPS grew from SSL in the 1990s and became mainstream as TLS improved. Search engines and browsers later pushed HTTPS as a default expectation for public websites.