HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the encrypted version of HTTP, securing communications between web browsers and servers. HTTPS uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption to protect data in transit from eavesdropping and tampering. When you see a padlock icon in your browser's address bar and the URL starts with "https://", the connection is encrypted. This protection is essential when transmitting sensitive information—login credentials, financial data, personal information—but is now standard for all websites. Government websites must use HTTPS to protect citizen data and maintain trust. HTTPS also provides authentication—certificates verify you're connecting to the genuine website, not an imposter. Modern browsers increasingly treat HTTP sites as insecure, displaying warnings that may deter users. Any government digital service handling citizen information should exclusively use HTTPS, and security policies should require it across all government web properties.