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Migrate HTTP to HTTPS in WordPress plays a major role in enhancing security during data migration.

“A guide to secure your WordPress website”

What is HTTP? 

HyperText Transfer Protocol or “HTTP” is a protocol used by the World Wide Web to formulate the actions to be taken when a command is keyed in the web browser. HTTP is the set of rules to be followed to transfer files like Text, Images, Video, Sound and Multimedia files.

The most important difference between HTTP and HTTPS protocols is the SSL certification.

As the name suggests HTTPS has an additional security layer over HTTP. HTTP is termed to be “Clear” because it enables a user to view its source code. Whereas HTTPS it contains an SSL certificate ( Security Socket Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). In which the transferred data is encrypted to avoid data theft.

Click here to know about – What is SSL Certification?

5 reasons you need to switch over to HTTPS?

These days we share numerous confidential or sensitive information like login credentials, banking details and other personal information on the public domain through the internet. It is mandatory to keep our data safe from theft.

1. The secured version uses an SSL Certificate to establish a connection between the server and the browser. 

2. Data encryption is the process of replacing the plain text information into jumbled letters or random numbers. This way the data is no longer readable by handler or data interceptor.

3. HTTPS symbolizes trustworthiness and authenticity. Based on a report, nearly 29% of people expect a green address bar in URL. 

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4. HTTPS SSL/TLS plays a pivot role in Google SERP for better user-friendly website ranking. Most importantly Google Analytics blocks the referral data from HTTPS website to HTTP website.

5. HTTPS improves faster website loading time. It prevents image caching which facilitate Better SEO – Search Engine Optimization SEO performance.

6 Steps to migrate HTTP to HTTPS on WordPress

1) Back-Up Your Website

Backing up the website is the primary thing to do before making any changes. As we can switch back to the working version even if anything goes wrong. 

2) Purchase SSL Certificate

You need to do is purchase an SSL certificate, and you might already have it for free. It depends on your host. Check with your host whether they are providing SSL Certificate or you can switch over to other hosting services who provides one.

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3) Adding HTTPS in the WordPress Admin Area

Open wp-config.php in your WordPress root folder and add the following line somewhere before where it says “That’s all, stop editing!”.

define(‘FORCE_SSL_ADMIN’, true);

4) Updating Site Address

Go to Settings->General, Add https:// to the beginning of both the WordPress address and site address. 

Then save the settings.

5) Change HTTP Links to HTTPS in content and templates

Update the old Http links to https in the content and database of the website.

6) Implementing 301 Redirect in .htaccess

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Add this code in the .htaccess file in the root directory.

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>

RewriteEngine On

RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off

RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

</IfModule>

After completing the above steps we are ready to go live.

Click on the link below to know more about “301 Redirect“.

Benefits of HTTPS over HTTP:

• HTTPS increases security during data migration by encrypting the data while transferring from one server to client-server through the internet.

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For eg., The transferred message is “ Good Morning”, whereas when intercepted the data while in transit, it appears in Encrypted format. Looks something like this below.

“Good MOrning” – “ ih84yihf249f9u-wejfj328f3-9f4foj”

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• HTTPS helps to improve the Google SERP ranking.

• It builds the trust factor in website visitors. Without the HTTPS the URL will show as Not secured!

It is always recommended to invest in migrating HTTP to HTTPS in the WordPress website. The website visitors/users find it very authentic and enjoy a better user experience on the website. Lia infraservices is a pioneer in developing authentic website design and development, Digital marketing services, and Cloud Migration.