What is HTTPS / SSL / TLS?
Protocols that encrypt communication between a user's browser and your server, preventing eavesdropping, tampering, and impersonation. HTTPS is HTTP with TLS encryption.
In plain English
HTTPS is like sending a letter in a sealed, tamper-evident envelope instead of a postcard. With a postcard (HTTP), anyone handling it can read the contents. With a sealed envelope (HTTPS), only the recipient can open it, and they can tell if someone tried to tamper with it.
How it works
When a browser connects to an HTTPS site, a TLS handshake occurs: the server presents its SSL certificate, the browser verifies it with a trusted certificate authority, and they agree on encryption keys. All subsequent data is encrypted. TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the modern successor to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), though people still use both terms interchangeably.
Why it matters for AI-built apps
HTTPS is non-negotiable for any modern web application. Without it, user credentials, personal data, and session tokens are sent as plain text over the network. Browsers flag HTTP sites as 'Not Secure,' search engines penalize them, and many modern web APIs (geolocation, service workers, camera access) only work over HTTPS.
Common issues
Mixed content (loading HTTP resources on an HTTPS page), expired SSL certificates causing browser warnings, not redirecting HTTP to HTTPS, not enabling HSTS (allowing downgrade attacks), using outdated TLS versions (1.0 or 1.1), and self-signed certificates in production.
Best practices
Use HTTPS everywhere — even for development. Obtain free certificates from Let's Encrypt or use your hosting provider's automatic SSL. Enable HSTS to prevent downgrade attacks. Redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS. Set up certificate auto-renewal to prevent expiration. Use TLS 1.3 if your server supports it. Fix all mixed content warnings.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need HTTPS if my app doesn't handle passwords or payments?
Yes, absolutely. HTTPS protects all data in transit, prevents ISPs from injecting ads into your pages, improves SEO, and is required for modern browser features. Free certificates from Let's Encrypt mean there's zero reason to use HTTP. Most hosting platforms enable HTTPS automatically.
What's the difference between SSL and TLS?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the older protocol, now deprecated due to vulnerabilities. TLS (Transport Layer Security) is its successor and what's actually used today. When people say 'SSL certificate,' they really mean a TLS certificate. The terms are used interchangeably, but TLS is the correct modern protocol.
Check your app
Get a professional review of your app at a fixed price.
Security Scan
Black-box review of your public-facing app. No code access needed.
- OWASP Top 10 checks
- SSL/TLS analysis
- Security headers
- Expert review within 24h
Code Audit
In-depth review of your source code for security, quality, and best practices.
- Security vulnerabilities
- Code quality review
- Dependency audit
- AI pattern analysis
Complete Bundle
Both scans in one package with cross-referenced findings.
- Everything in both products
- Cross-referenced findings
- Unified action plan
100% credited toward any paid service. Start with an audit, then let us fix what we find.
Worried about https / ssl / tls in your app?
Get a professional code audit ($19) or book a free call to discuss your concerns.