HTTPS

HTTPS, Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure, is a protocol for securing data exchanged between a user and a website. It is an extension of the HTTP protocol, adding encryption and authentication to ensure the integrity and privacy of the data being exchanged.

Difference between HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) is the basic protocol for exchanging information between browsers and websites. HTTPS is an extension of HTTP that adds encryption and authentication to the communication between a browser and a website.

This secures the data between the browser and the website, protecting it from unwanted access or manipulation. While HTTP is not secure and data is not encrypted during transfer, HTTPS is a secure connection that protects data from eavesdropping or manipulation.

What does HTTPS provide?

HTTPS provides security for data exchanged between a user and a website. This includes data entered by the user, such as username and password, and data exchanged between the browser and the website, such as website content.

Using HTTPS protects data against eavesdropping, manipulation, and other types of cyber threats. This is especially important when sensitive information, such as financial data or personal information, is being exchanged.

How does HTTPS work?

HTTPS uses an encryption algorithm, such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security), to encode the data exchanged between a browser and a website. When a user visits a website via HTTPS, the website verifies the user's identity using an SSL or TLS certificate.

Afterwards, the data exchanged between the browser, and the website is encrypted and unreadable to unauthorised users.

Is HTTPS always secure?

HTTPS provides a secure connection and protects data exchanged between a user and a website from eavesdropping and manipulation. However, HTTPS is not always 100% secure.

For example, if a website has an expired SSL or TLS certificate, hackers can still intercept the connection, and data can still be stolen. Additionally, there are other attacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks, that can also lead to HTTPS security breaches.

How to tell if a website is secure

If a website is secured with HTTPS, it is indicated by a padlock icon in the browser's address bar and the word "secure" or "secure" next to the URL path. The padlock icon indicates that the connection between the browser and the website is secured with SSL or TLS encryption.

In addition, a secure certificate can be viewed by clicking on the padlock icon and going to the certificate. The certificate displays the name and location of the website and confirms the website's identity.

HTTPS or VPN, which is more secure?

HTTPS and VPNs provide security for data being transmitted over the internet but in different ways. HTTPS provides encryption for data between a user and a website, while VPNs provide encryption for data exchanged between users and the VPN network. This provides even higher security for data, as all traffic from a user runs through the VPN network and not just communication with a single website.

Why is HTTP not secure?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is used to publish websites online and exchange information between browsers and websites. HTTP is not secure because it does not encrypt data between a user and a website.

This allows hackers to eavesdrop and manipulate data during browser and website communication. Therefore, when data security is required, choosing HTTPS instead of HTTP is essential.