What’s the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTPS is HTTP with encryption to protect data exchanged between your site and browser. For sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, this additional layer of protection is important.
HTTP by itself is not encrypted and thus is less secure than HTTPS.
HTTP by itself is not encrypted and thus is less secure than HTTPS.
Why does my site now default to HTTPS instead of HTTP?
In 2017, Google announced that it would begin penalizing websites that were not using HTTPS and a valid SSL certificate. Because of this, sites served over HTTP now display warnings about the site's security.
When a domain has an SSL certificate on our hosting platform, we automatically default the site to serve over HTTPS. This change prevents the security warning from appearing on your site. SSL certificates are recommended for all public-facing sites.
When a domain has an SSL certificate on our hosting platform, we automatically default the site to serve over HTTPS. This change prevents the security warning from appearing on your site. SSL certificates are recommended for all public-facing sites.
Isn’t web security only important for e-commerce sites?
Not anymore. While SSL certificates are often associated with e-commerce sites, times have changed. All sites can benefit from the security benefits of SSL certificates and HTTPS.
Can I change my site back to HTTP?
Yes, you can change your site back to using HTTP. You can find instructions on how to do this by visiting our How to Change My Site from HTTPS to HTTP article.
I already have a redirect set up on my domain. Will this cause issues?
It may. You should double-check your domain and make sure everything is running smoothly. If you receive an error, the two redirects may not work together.
Why is my SSL certificate being reissued during the year?
SSL certificates are provided as a one-year service. As part of this service, certificates are automatically reissued and reinstalled as needed to remain valid. This helps ensure continuous coverage and does not require any action from you.
The industry is moving toward shorter SSL certificate lifespans, which means certificates are renewed more frequently than in the past. You can learn more about the shift here: