Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
Privacy and integrity protection.
Indicators
Impact
(How ScanGov measures tasklist priorities.)
About
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the strongest privacy and integrity protection currently available for public web connections. HTTPS ensures users that their privacy is protected when visiting a government website.
HTTPS is indicated by a lock icon and/or https:// in the browser bar.
Why it's important
Secures data by encrypting communication, protecting user privacy and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information during online interactions.User stories
As a site visitor, I want the website to use HTTPS so that my data is encrypted and protected from interception or tampering while browsing or submitting information.
Error
(ScanGov messaging when a site fails a standard)
Site is not served over HTTPS.
Examples
Example government websites with HTTPS:
Guidance
Links
- The HTTPS-Only Standard (CIO.gov)
- M-15-13: Policy to Require Secure Connections across Federal Websites and Web Services