HTTPS Isn’t a Shield--> Debunking the Myth of a 'Secure' Web

We’ve been trained to trust the padlock icon. For years, tech experts, browsers, and even Google have nudged users toward HTTPS websites, equating them with safety. But here’s the uncomfortable truth... HTTPS is not a guarantee of security. It never was.

As a cybersecurity professional, I see the damage this myth causes daily. Users, and even some IT staff, assume a site is safe just because it uses HTTPS. The reality is far more complex.

What HTTPS Actually Does

Let’s start with the good news: HTTPS is absolutely necessary. It encrypts the data exchanged between your browser and the website, protecting it from eavesdroppers. It also verifies that the certificate presented by the site was issued by a recognized Certificate Authority (CA).

This means when you log into your bank's HTTPS site, your password and data aren't being sniffed by anyone lurking on the same Wi-Fi network. That’s important. It protects data in transit.

But that’s where HTTPS stops.

What HTTPS Does Not Do ...

It doesn’t tell you the site is legitimate. Anyone can get an HTTPS certificate. Today, even phishing websites that mimic login portals use HTTPS and proudly display that lock icon. Services like Let’s Encrypt have made it easy for anyone, good or bad, to get a valid cert for free.

1. It doesn’t protect you from malware. A website can be HTTPS-encrypted and still host malicious downloads, drive-by scripts, or code that exploits browser vulnerabilities.

2. It doesn’t hide your browsing habits. While the content of your communication is encrypted, observers (like your ISP or employer) can still see the domains you're visiting, unless you're using additional tools like DNS-over-HTTPS or a VPN.

3. It doesn’t guarantee privacy. HTTPS doesn’t stop third-party trackers, cookie abuse, or browser fingerprinting.

4. It doesn’t mean the site is secure. The site could have open admin panels, weak credentials, outdated software, or unpatched plugins... all of which HTTPS does nothing to fix.

The Dangerous Illusion

Phishing attacks have evolved. Scammers know that users look for the padlock and https:// in the URL. So they give it to them. They register convincing domain names like "mybank-login-security.com," obtain an HTTPS certificate, and wait for users to walk right into the trap.

I’ve seen real-world examples where well-meaning users entered credentials into "secure" scam pages. Some even screenshot the padlock and said, "But it was secure!" It’s not their fault. We conditioned them to believe it was.

What True Security Looks Like -->

HTTPS is one piece of the puzzle. Real web security is layered:

• User awareness and training

• DNS filtering and EDR at the endpoint

• Reputation-based URL scanning

• Multi-factor authentication

• Zero Trust architectures

Security isn’t a padlock. It’s a mindset.

I’m not saying HTTPS isn’t valuable. It absolutely is. But it’s not a free pass to safety. Trust needs to be earned, not assumed.

So next time you see that lock icon, take it as a starting point... not a verdict. Ask questions. Look closer. And never assume secure transport equals a secure destination.

Let’s stop confusing encryption with trust. One protects the data. The other protects you.