As we explore the distinction between HTTP and HTTPS, it’s critical to understand what website security entails. When you visit a website, you send information to the server that hosts it. Your IP address, the browser you’re using, and the sites you view on the site may all be included in this information. This information is broadcast in plain text, so anyone who is monitoring your traffic can see it.
If you’re using a public Wi-Fi network, this information could be collected by another user. This is why a secure connection is required when sending sensitive information such as credit card details or passwords.
What is HTTP?
HTTP is an abbreviation for HyperText Transfer Protocol. HyperText is a sort of text that has been specially written using a standard coding language known as HyperText Markup Language (HTML).
Every link you click that begins with HTTP employs the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP or “protocol”). HTTP is a network protocol standard that specifies how messages should be prepared and transmitted, as well as the activities that web servers and browsers should take in response to certain requests.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS is an abbreviation for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure. HTTP Secure (HTTPS) is a mix of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol and the SSL/TLS standard that provides encrypted communication and secure distinguishing proof of an established web server. HTTPS is more secure than HTTP since it is SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certified. If the URL of any website you visit on the internet begins with HTTP, that website is not secure.
What Are the Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS?
1. Security
HTTP is not secure, and data transmitted over HTTP is not encrypted, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and data interception. On the other hand, HTTPS ensures secure communication by encrypting the data exchanged between the user’s browser and the website’s server, making it difficult for unauthorized entities to intercept and understand the data.
2. Encryption
HTTP does not provide any encryption, which means data is sent in plain text format. In contrast, HTTPS uses SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) encryption to protect data integrity and confidentiality, ensuring that information remains encrypted during transmission.
3. Protocol Identifier
HTTP uses “http://” in the URL to indicate that the website is using the standard, non-secure protocol, while HTTPS uses “https://” to indicate that the website is using the secure protocol. Additionally, HTTPS is accompanied by a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, which provides a visual indication of the secure connection.
4. Port Number
HTTP typically uses port 80 for communication, whereas HTTPS typically uses port 443, which is reserved for secure transmissions.
5. Certificate Requirement
HTTP does not require an SSL certificate for communication, while HTTPS mandates a valid SSL certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) to enable secure connections between the user’s browser and the website’s server.
6. Trust and Website Authentication
HTTP does not provide any means to verify the authenticity of the website, making it susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks where unauthorized entities can intercept and manipulate data. On the other hand, HTTPS, with SSL/TLS encryption and a valid SSL certificate, ensures the authenticity of the website. It builds trust with users as the browser displays a padlock icon and the name of the organization in the address bar, providing assurance of a secure connection.
7. SEO and Ranking
HTTP websites may receive lower priority in search results compared to HTTPS sites due to the added security and trust associated with HTTPS. Search engines, like Google, consider HTTPS as a positive ranking factor, leading to improved SEO rankings for websites that use it.