Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS
Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS
In this post we will learn in detail about the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS, While browsing the Internet, you may have noticed that the URLs of some websites start with “http://” while others start with “https://”. This small difference plays an important role in the way data is transmitted over the Internet. Below, we will learn in detail what HTTP and HTTPS are, what are their differences and why HTTPS is considered more secure.
What is HTTP?
- Full form: Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
- Definition: HTTP is a protocol used to transfer hypertext (such as HTML) between a web server and a web browser. It is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web.
- Functionality: When you type a URL in your browser, an HTTP request is sent to the server, which then responds with the requested web page. HTTP defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and how the web server and browser should respond to various commands.
- Port: HTTP operates on port 80.
- Security: HTTP is not secure. Data transmitted via HTTP is sent in plain text, which means it can be intercepted and read by third parties, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks and eavesdropping.
- Full form: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.
- Definition: HTTPS is an extension of HTTP that includes security features to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data being transferred between a web server and a web browser.
- Functionality: HTTPS works just like HTTP, but it uses encryption to secure the data. When a user connects to a website using HTTPS, his or her browser and the server engage in a process called the SSL/TLS handshake, which establishes a secure, encrypted connection.
- Port: HTTPS operates on port 443.
- Security: HTTPS uses the SSL/TLS (Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security) protocol to encrypt data, making it extremely difficult for third parties to intercept or tamper with the data being transmitted. HTTPS also verifies the identity of the website through SSL certificates, ensuring that users are communicating with the intended website.
Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS
Here, given below some important key difference between the HTTP and HTTPS protocol in the tabular format.
| HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|
| Hypertext Transfer Protocol | Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure |
| Operates on port 80 | Operates on port 443 |
| No encryption; data is vulnerable to interception | Encrypted data transmission using SSL/TLS |
| No integrity checks; data can be altered | Ensures data integrity with cryptographic hashes |
| No authentication of the website | SSL certificates verify website authenticity |
| No ranking benefit; can be marked as “Not Secure” | Boosts SEO; preferred by search engines |
| Users may see “Not Secure” warnings | Users see a padlock icon, indicating a secure connection |
| Does not meet security standards for sensitive data | Meets standards like GDPR and PCI-DSS for sensitive data |
| No protection against phishing | Helps protect against phishing by verifying site identity |
| Suitable for non-sensitive data | Essential for sites handling sensitive information |
Importance of HTTPS
- Privacy and security: HTTPS is essential for protecting sensitive data, such as login credentials, payment information, and personal details. Without HTTPS, users’ data could be exposed to potential theft.
- Compliance: Many regulations and standards, such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), require websites to use HTTPS, especially when handling sensitive information.
- Phishing protection: HTTPS can help protect users from phishing attacks by ensuring they are on a legitimate site and not a fake site designed to steal information.
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How HTTPS Works: The SSL/TLS Handshake
When a browser connects to an HTTPS website, the following steps occur:
- Browser initiates connection: The browser sends a request to connect to the web server using HTTPS.
- Server responds with an SSL certificate: The server responds by sending its SSL certificate to the browser. This certificate contains the server’s public key and is issued by a trusted certificate authority (CA).
- Browser verifies certificate: The browser checks the validity of the certificate, including its expiration date and whether it is issued by a trusted CA. If the certificate is valid, the process continues.
- Encryption setup: The browser and server agree on an encryption method, generating session keys that will be used to encrypt and decrypt data.
- Secure connection established: Encrypted communication begins, ensuring that data transmitted between the browser and server is secure and private.
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Conclusion
Both HTTP and HTTPS are protocols used to transfer data between a web server and a browser, HTTPS provides a secure, encrypted connection, making it the preferred choice for modern web communications. HTTPS not only protects sensitive data but also increases user trust and improves search engine rankings. As internet security concerns continue to grow, adopting HTTPS has become a standard best practice for all websites.
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