HTTPS Only VS Smart HTTPS

• Improved Security
  HTTPS encrypts data between the user's browser and the server, preventing eavesdropping, tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Increased User Trust
  Users are more likely to trust and feel safe on a website that uses HTTPS, as modern browsers display a padlock icon for secure connections.
• Better SEO Rankings
  Search engines, like Google, give preference to websites using HTTPS, which can improve visibility and rankings in search results.
• Data Integrity
  HTTPS ensures that the data sent and received has not been altered during transmission, maintaining the integrity of the information.
• Compliance with Standards
  Many standards and regulations require the encryption of sensitive data in transit, which can be fulfilled by using HTTPS.

Possible disadvantages

• Increased Server Load
  Encrypting and decrypting communications can increase the computational burden on servers, potentially impacting performance.
• Certificate Management
  Websites must obtain and regularly renew SSL/TLS certificates, which can be a time-consuming and potentially costly process.
• Compatibility Issues
  Older browsers and devices may have problems accessing HTTPS-enabled sites, potentially leading to accessibility issues for some users.
• Mixed Content Warnings
  If some resources on a page are loaded over HTTP, users might see mixed content warnings, which can confuse them and reduce trust.
• Initial Configuration Complexity
  Setting up HTTPS may require a degree of technical knowledge that can be challenging for those without a background in web development.

• Automatic Redirection to HTTPS
  Smart HTTPS automatically changes HTTP protocol to HTTPS, which enhances the security of your browsing by ensuring that the connection is encrypted.
• Fallback to HTTP
  In cases where an HTTPS version of the site is not available, it can automatically revert back to HTTP, ensuring you can still access the website instead of facing a disruption.
• Whitelist Feature
  Allows users to maintain a whitelist of websites that should always be accessed using HTTP, providing flexibility and control over the browsing experience.
• Improved Privacy
  By automatically using HTTPS, it helps in protecting user data from eavesdroppers and enhances privacy while browsing the web.

Possible disadvantages

• Compatibility Issues
  Some websites may not function correctly over HTTPS, leading to potential misbehavior or broken features when accessed using Smart HTTPS.
• Potential for Increased Loading Times
  Sometimes, redirecting to HTTPS can result in slightly longer loading times, especially if the server's configuration is not optimal for HTTPS.
• Resource Intensive
  The addon might consume additional resources to check for HTTPS versions of every site, which could impact browser performance, especially on older systems.
• Limited Control Over Redirection
  Users might have limited ability to control which sites are redirected to HTTPS if they haven't preemptively whitelisted specific HTTP sites.

Firefox 83: HTTPS Only Mode

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Tracking HTTPS Only since Mar 2021.

• “We don’t track you … except for when we get paid for it.”

  Smart HTTPS, site This tries to send you to https sites instead of http sites. Using http sites makes you venerable to man in the middle attacks. (dont use http on public wifis if possible). Source: over 4 years ago

• question about non secure websites

  I'd recommend using Smart HTTPS which automatically makes your site's HTTPS if it can offer it so it will reduce these situations. Here's the site where you can choose whichever browser you use. https://mybrowseraddon.com/smart-https.html. Source: over 4 years ago