Perplexing Guide to Securing Your WordPress Website with HTTPS

If you’re a WordPress website owner, securing your website with HTTPS should be at the top of your list of priorities. Confused about what HTTPS is and how to add it to your website? Don’t worry, in this guide we will guide you through the convoluted steps.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS is the encrypted version of HTTP, the protocol that web browsers and servers use to communicate with each other. The “S” in HTTPS stands for “Secure”. When using HTTPS, the data between your website and user’s browser is secured through encryption.

Why Use HTTPS?

Why using HTTPS is a smart choice:

1. Security: HTTPS ensures data cannot be intercepted or manipulated by hackers
2. Trust: Users are more likely to trust HTTPS websites
3. SEO: HTTPS improves your website’s SEO and search engine rankings
4. Compliance: Online regulations require using HTTPS to protect user data

Different Types of SSL Certificates

Three types of SSL certificates:

• Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificates: The most basic SSL certificates
• Organization Validated (OV) SSL certificates: SSL certificates that verify the organization requesting it is registered
• Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates: The most secure and expensive with strict verification process

How to Choose the Right SSL Certificate

Factors to consider when deciding on the right SSL certificate for you:

• Budget: Consider your budget and select a certificate that fits your needs
• Business Needs: Small businesses or blogs may only need DV SSL certificates, while large businesses may need higher level certificates
• Level of Trust: EV SSL certificates display a green padlock in the address bar of the user’s browser, indicating that it’s a verified and trustworthy website

How to Add HTTPS in WordPress

Steps required to add HTTPS in WordPress:

1. Purchase an SSL Certificate: Get an SSL certificate from a reputable vendor of your choosing
2. Install the SSL Certificate: Install the SSL certificate onto your web server
3. Update WordPress Site URL: Update the URL of your WordPress site to use HTTPS
4. Install a Plugin to Redirect HTTP to HTTPS: Install a plugin that redirects HTTP traffic of your website to HTTPS
5. Test Your Website: Finally, test your website to ensure HTTPS is working correctly

Take the necessary steps to improve the security of your WordPress website. Add HTTPS to protect your users’ data.