The Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS
If you have ever wondered what the difference is between HTTP and HTTPS, then this article is for you. These two acronyms are often mentioned when discussing website security, but the difference between them may not be immediately clear.
What is HTTP?
HTTP, or HyperText Transfer Protocol, is the protocol used to transmit and receive website data over the internet. It is basically the language that servers and browsers use to communicate with each other. HTTP is an unsecured protocol, which means that the data exchanged between the server and client can be intercepted and read by anyone who has access to the connection between the two.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS, or HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, is the secure version of HTTP. It is designed to provide a secure connection between the client and the server, so that data transmitted between the two is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by third-parties. HTTPS works by encrypting the communication between the server and the client using SSL or TLS certificate.
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
The main difference between HTTP and HTTPS is that the latter provides an additional layer of security that the former does not. When you visit a website that uses HTTPS, your browser will display a green padlock icon in the address bar, indicating that the connection is secure. This is important because it means that any data you enter into the website, such as your login credentials or payment information, is protected from prying eyes.
Another difference is that HTTPS uses port 443 to transmit and receive data, while HTTP uses port 80. Additionally, HTTPS requires an SSL/TLS certificate, while HTTP does not.
Why is HTTPS important?
There are several reasons why HTTPS is important. First, it provides a secure connection between the server and the client, so that sensitive information cannot be intercepted by third parties. This is particularly important for websites that require users to enter their personal information, such as login credentials, payment information, or medical information.
Secondly, HTTPS is also important for search engine optimization (SEO). Google has stated that HTTPS is a “lightweight” ranking signal, which means that websites that use HTTPS are more likely to rank higher in search results than those that do not.
In conclusion, the difference between HTTP and HTTPS comes down to security. HTTPS is a secure protocol that encrypts data transmitted between the client and the server, while HTTP does not provide any encryption. If you are running a website that requires users to enter personal information, it is strongly recommended that you use HTTPS to protect your users’ data.
Table difference between https and http
| Aspect | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | Hyper Text Transfer Protocol | Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure |
| Security | No encryption or security measures | Uses SSL/TLS encryption to secure data |
| Port | 80 | 443 |
| URL prefix | http:// | https:// |
| Authentication | Not secure, data can be intercepted and modified | Secure, data is encrypted and cannot be modified |
| Usage | Used for general browsing and accessing non-sensitive data | Used for accessing sensitive data such as banking or personal information |