---
title: "SSL and HTTPS – encryption in plain terms | Sweet Lava"
description: "HTTPS encrypts traffic between browser and site; the SSL/TLS certificate confirms identity. See why every form and payment needs it."
url: https://sweetlava.eu/en/glossary/ssl-https/
lang: en
alternate_pl: https://sweetlava.eu/pl/slownik/ssl-https/
---

Technology 

# What is SSL / HTTPS?

HTTPS is the encrypted version of the protocol your browser uses to reach a site; the SSL/TLS certificate confirms the site's identity and protects transmitted data (passwords, forms, payments) from eavesdropping.

The padlock by the address means data between you and the site is encrypted – nobody along the way (e.g. on open Wi-Fi) can read your password or card number. HTTPS is the absolute standard today: browsers mark sites without it as "not secure" and Google treats encryption as a ranking signal.

Certificates can be free (Let's Encrypt) and auto-renewing – a missing HTTPS in 2026 signals nothing but neglect.

**Practical note:** HTTPS alone does not make a site "secure" in the broader sense – it protects transmission but doesn't patch holes in an outdated CMS. Security is a practice, not a padlock.

## Related services

- [ Custom website design & development → ](https://sweetlava.eu/en/services/websites/)

## Related terms

- [Backend](https://sweetlava.eu/en/glossary/backend/)
- [CMS & headless CMS](https://sweetlava.eu/en/glossary/cms-headless-cms/)

## Planning a new company website?

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