Why HTTPS Isn’t Enough — And Why SMEs Need Proper Traffic Inspection
Remember when having HTTPS on a website made it feel trustworthy?
Those little browser padlocks used to mean something. They were shorthand for “safe,” “secure,” “legit.”
In 2026, that illusion is well and truly gone.
Today, over 90% of web traffic is encrypted — including malicious traffic. Attackers now hide inside HTTPS because they know most SMEs don’t inspect what’s going through that encrypted tunnel.
Put simply:
HTTPS protects data in transit — not you.
It doesn’t validate safety.
It doesn’t scan for malware.
It doesn’t stop phishing.
If your firewall isn’t actually looking inside those encrypted streams, it’s blind.
Let’s break down why encrypted traffic is now the attacker’s best friend — and what SMEs need to do to keep up.
🔐 Why HTTPS Is No Longer a Security Indicator
1. Attackers use encryption too
Cybercriminals have realised that if everything is encrypted, defenders without inspection can’t see:
- Malware downloads
- Command‑and‑control traffic
- Credential harvesting scripts
- Malicious redirects
If your firewall isn’t performing HTTPS inspection, these threats pass straight through.
2. HTTPS certificates are cheap and easy to obtain
Attackers can get a valid TLS certificate in minutes — even for phishing sites.
A padlock now means “this connection is encrypted,” not “you can trust this website.”
3. Browser warnings give a false sense of security
People see the padlock and relax.
Attackers count on that.
4. AI‑powered phishing makes malicious sites look flawless
Many phishing pages today mirror legitimate login screens pixel‑perfectly, and all inside HTTPS encryption.
🔥 So Why Is HTTPS Inspection So Important in 2026?
Next‑generation firewalls (like Fortinet’s FortiGate series) can decrypt, inspect, and re‑encrypt traffic — letting your security tools actually analyse:
- Downloaded files
- Script behaviour
- Web requests
- Embedded malware
- Zero‑day indicators
Without this, your firewall is essentially guessing.
And here’s the kicker…
Attackers know SMEs rarely turn HTTPS inspection on because:
- It sounds “technical”
- It’s misunderstood
- Some older firewalls struggle with the workload
- Admins fear it will slow down connections
But modern hardware handles it easily — and skipping it is like installing CCTV cameras that purposely ignore anyone wearing a hoodie.
🧱 Why SMEs Struggle Without HTTPS Inspection
1. You’re blind to 90% of attacks
If you’re not inspecting encrypted traffic, you’re missing the majority of threats.
2. Compliance requirements are tighter
Industries like financial services, legal, and healthcare now expect full inspection capabilities.
3. Remote work creates more hidden traffic
Home workers on poorly secured networks increase attack exposure.
4. AI‑generated threats adapt too quickly
Signature‑based detection alone isn’t enough anymore.
🛡️ What SMEs Need to Do Right Now
Here’s the straightforward, practical guidance:
1. Use a next‑generation firewall that supports HTTPS inspection
Fortinet, Sophos, and Palo Alto all offer strong options — but for SMEs, Fortinet remains the best balance of power and affordability.
2. Turn on SSL/HTTPS inspection — properly
Don’t let it sit disabled “because it’s the default.”
We can configure it so:
- Performance stays fast
- Privacy requirements are respected
- Exclusions (like banking/medical sites) are handled correctly
3. Pair inspection with DNS filtering
DNS filtering catches threats even earlier in the chain.
4. Combine it with endpoint protection
Firewalls and endpoints should work together — especially with threats that use encrypted lateral movement.
5. Train staff to stop trusting the padlock
The padlock only means encryption.
It says nothing about legitimacy.
Learn More
For a clear explanation of encrypted traffic risks and why HTTPS inspection matters, Fortinet covers this topic here: https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/ssl-inspection
I need this!
If your business is relying on HTTPS alone to keep you safe, you’re missing the biggest blind spot in modern cybersecurity.
We help SMEs deploy next‑gen firewalls, configure HTTPS inspection correctly, and stay protected from the encrypted threats that basic security tools simply can’t see.
Talk to us today and let’s make your network inspection‑ready.
