More than a padlock
HTTPS sounds like a checkbox. Green padlock, done. But online security goes deeper than encryption.
This blog explains what HTTPS actually does, where it protects your site and where it doesn't. And more importantly: how we at Forge treat security as a built-in part of every product we build.
What HTTPS actually does
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It's the secure version of HTTP, the protocol used for communication between your browser and the server.
Here's what HTTPS provides:
- Encryption: all data between browser and server is transmitted securely. No one can eavesdrop.
- Authentication: you are communicating with the correct server. No impersonation or middlemen.
- Integrity: the data you send and receive cannot be altered in transit.
Without HTTPS, passwords, form submissions and session data can be intercepted. With HTTPS, that communication is encrypted and private.
What HTTPS does not do
HTTPS doesn't fix vulnerabilities in your application. And it doesn't protect everything.
For example, HTTPS does not:
- Prevent XSS or SQL injection attacks
- Secure your hosting environment
- Fix issues in third-party scripts
- Protect your backend infrastructure
In short: HTTPS is essential, but not enough. It's a prerequisite, not a guarantee.
Why a certificate alone Isn't enough
Many websites have an SSL certificate, but still have major security gaps. Common issues include:
- Expired certificates
No monitoring or auto-renewal in place. Suddenly, your site shows up as untrusted. - Mixed content
Loading images or scripts over HTTP opens up vulnerabilities, even on an HTTPS page. - No HSTS
Without HTTP Strict Transport Security, browsers might still attempt insecure connections. - Poor redirect configuration
Not all HTTP traffic is redirected to HTTPS. That means lost security and SEO benefits.
Especially on larger sites, these issues can creep in unnoticed.
How Forge Builds Security In by Default
At Forge, security isn't an afterthought. It's part of every layer. We build platforms that are secure out of the box, with no extra work required from your team.
Our approach:
- Automated certificate renewal using Let's Encrypt or custom setups
- Strict redirect policies that always point to HTTPS
- HSTS enabled by default to force secure browser connections
- Security headers like Content-Security-Policy and X-Frame-Options configured per project
- Minimal third-party dependencies, each vetted for reliability
- Structured logging and monitoring, with access controls and retention policies
Whether it's a marketing site or a custom platform, security is built into everything we deliver.
Quick checklist: what you can check today
Want to check how secure your site is? Start with this:
- Is your entire site served over HTTPS with no mixed content?
- Are HTTP requests redirected to HTTPS?
- Is your certificate valid and correctly installed?
- Are you using HSTS, security headers and CORS policies?
- Do you track which third-party scripts you use – and actually need?
In Summary
HTTPS is the foundation. But real security requires more. Think policy, infrastructure and continuous validation.
At Forge, we make that security standard. In design, in code and in deployment.
Got a project or existing platform? We're here to help. Because security isn't a nice-to-have. It's the norm.