Major browsers like Google Chrome are pushing for websites to install secure communication protocols. One of their recent stances is to display labels such as "Secure" for sites using HTTPS and "Not Secure" for those using HTTP. This distinction has led many website owners to believe that implementing an HTTPS protocol protects their site from all threats. Here, we'll explain what you can expect and what you cannot.

As detailed in our previous articles, HTTPS is a security protocol designed to encrypt information transmitted to and from a website. HTTPS is activated when a website is configured with an SSL certificate. This security type prevents third parties from viewing and modifying information exchanged between two systems, which can include sensitive data like credit card numbers, bank accounts, passwords, or personal information. You can learn more by reading our article "What is an SSL certificate?"

By using an SSL certificate and enabling an HTTPS protocol on your website, you protect your website's users from the threat known as "Man-in-the-Middle," where a malicious third party can exploit your website to steal or manipulate user information.

However, this isn't the only threat that websites face. A website, like any other computer system, is vulnerable to viruses and malware of various kinds.

A virus can use your website to:

• Perform marketing for other sites.
• Install trojans on users' devices who visit the website, stealing information or utilizing device resources.
• Exploit the resources supporting the website.
• Exploit the resources hosted by the hosting service. This includes techniques like hotlinking, where someone uses images hosted on your server. This not only steals your image but also consumes your bandwidth.

All these actions and more can be achieved by installing malicious software on a website. Hackers employ countless techniques, such as Back Doors, DDoS Attacks, SQL Code Injection, Brute Force Attacks, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and the list continues to grow each year.

The problems associated with having a website infected with malware are numerous. They range from losing your website, along with the money and time invested, to being blocked by Google. There's also the possibility of being sued by customers and users affected by your compromised website. Even if the lawsuit doesn't succeed, the time, money, and stress involved are not advisable for anyone, not to mention the loss of credibility with your clients.

To Each His Own

Being aware of all the ways a website can be attacked is impossible for a business owner, and even for a webmaster whose job is to develop and maintain up-to-date websites. In fact, it's impossible for an SSL certificate as well, since that's not its purpose. As mentioned, the HTTPS protocol only encrypts information; it doesn't defend the entire website.

To protect a website, you need to use what's known as a WAF (Web Application Firewall). In simple terms, a WAF is a protective barrier for web applications. Our article "What is a WAF?" specifically explains what a web application firewall is, but in short, it shields your website from various types of attacks. It's like an antivirus for a computer but tailored for websites.

Behind a WAF, there's a team of cybersecurity experts who face, investigate, and update the WAF against the emerging threats on the internet.

In Conclusion

HTTPS, through an SSL certificate, protects your website from "Man-in-the-Middle" attacks by encrypting user and customer information. But for everything else... there's a WAF.

If you're a website owner seeking security for your site but aren't sure how to achieve it, you've come to the right place. At Websesor, we're here to provide the support you need. Don't hesitate to contact us.

You might also be interested in the following topics:

What is an SSL certificate?

What is a WAF?

Google penalizes websites that don't use HTTPS