If you use the internet, you probably encounter HTTP and HTTPS protocols every day. But what are they, and how do they differ? In this article, you will learn the basics of HTTP and HTTPS, how they work, and why they matter for internet services.
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, and it is the standard way of communicating between web browsers and web servers. HTTP allows you to request and receive web pages, images, videos, and other resources from the internet. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, and it is an extension of HTTP that adds encryption and authentication to the communication. HTTPS protects your data from being intercepted, modified, or stolen by third parties.
In a layman's term, https is a http with secure connection. Http protocol is used in browser to retrieve the web page and render in it. Https provides a secured tunnel for transferring the data over http. While http is susceptible to data manipulation and spoofing, that is not possible in https. However https is slower than http when compared directly, as you need to setup a secure connection first with SSL certificate authentication and then the tunnel is established. So there is unusually a 200 ms delay in the connection setup. However some of the newer protocols like http/2 and http/3 will work only with the secured connection like http. These protocols have a better multiplexing methods to make the resource download faster.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the standard way websites communicate with your browser. It’s fast but lacks security. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is its secure sibling. It encrypts data, keeping your online activities private and secure. Always look for the padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar when sharing sensitive information.
HTTP and HTTPS protocols work by following a request-response model. When you type a web address or click a link, your browser sends a request to the web server that hosts the website. The web server responds with the requested resource, or an error message if something goes wrong. The request and response are formatted according to the HTTP rules, which define the structure, headers, and methods of the communication. HTTPS works the same way as HTTP, except that it uses an additional layer of security called SSL/TLS. SSL/TLS stands for Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security, and it is a protocol that encrypts the data and verifies the identity of the web server.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): HTTP works by your browser sending a request to a web server, which then responds with the requested web page or data. It’s like a basic conversation between your browser and the server, but it doesn’t encrypt the data, making it vulnerable to interception. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): HTTPS works similarly to HTTP, but with an added layer of security. It encrypts the data during transmission using SSL/TLS, ensuring that even if someone intercepts it, they can’t read the information. This encryption provides a secure and private connection between your browser and the server. Always opt for HTTPS for sensitive online activities.
HTTP and HTTPS protocols matter because they affect the performance, security, and user experience of internet services. HTTP is faster and simpler than HTTPS, but it is also more vulnerable to attacks and eavesdropping. HTTPS is slower and more complex than HTTP, but it is also more secure and trustworthy. HTTPS prevents hackers from stealing your personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or health records. HTTPS also prevents malicious actors from tampering with the content or functionality of the website, such as injecting malware, redirecting traffic, or displaying fake ads.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): HTTP is essential for basic web communication, but it’s not secure. It matters for regular content, like news or blogs, where security isn’t a priority. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): HTTPS matters for any online activity involving sensitive data, like login credentials, credit card information, or personal details. It ensures data is encrypted, protecting your privacy and security. Choosing HTTPS is crucial for safeguarding your online interactions.
You can tell if a website uses HTTP or HTTPS by looking at the address bar of your browser. If the website uses HTTP, you will see https:// at the beginning of the web address. If the website uses HTTPS, you will see https:// at the beginning of the web address, and a padlock icon next to it. The padlock icon indicates that the website has a valid SSL/TLS certificate, which proves its identity and encryption level. You can click on the padlock icon to see more details about the certificate and the connection security.
Identifying HTTP: Look at the website’s URL in your browser’s address bar. If it starts with “https://,” it’s using HTTP. Also, the browser may not display a padlock symbol. Identifying HTTPS: If the website’s URL begins with “https://,” it’s using HTTPS. Most browsers show a padlock symbol or “Secure” label in the address bar to indicate a secure connection. Always ensure you’re on HTTPS for sensitive tasks.
If you are a website owner or developer, you can switch from HTTP to HTTPS by obtaining and installing an SSL/TLS certificate on your web server. You can get a certificate from a trusted certificate authority (CA), which is an organization that verifies and issues certificates. There are different types of certificates, depending on the level of validation and the number of domains or subdomains you want to secure. You can also use a free certificate service, such as Let's Encrypt, which provides automated and renewable certificates. After you get a certificate, you need to configure your web server to use HTTPS, and redirect all HTTP requests to HTTPS.
HTTPS has many benefits and challenges for internet services. Some of the benefits include protecting data and privacy from hackers and snoops, improving reputation and credibility as a website owner or developer, increasing search engine ranking and visibility, and enabling advanced features like web push notifications, geolocation, or service workers. On the other hand, some of the challenges are more resources and maintenance than HTTP, compatibility issues with some browsers or devices, and increased latency and overhead due to encryption and decryption.