HTTP vs. HTTPS: What You Need to Know for Safe Browsing

When browsing the internet, you’ve probably noticed that website addresses start with either https or http. If you take a look at the website address bar right now, you’ll see we have an “https" at the beginning of our address.

In this guide, we'll explain the differences between HTTP and HTTPS and how each protocol works. Understanding these terms can help you browse, shop, and share information online, and they’re an important factor if you’re hosting a site.

What’s the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

The main difference between HTTP and HTTPS lies in the final character: the letter S, which stands for “secure.” HTTPS connections add encryption, protecting your data from outsiders. Let's look a little deeper into how HTTP and HTTPS work.

What is HTTP?

Hypertext Transfer Protocol, or HTTP, is used to transfer data over a network. It's how computers and servers communicate. When you visit a website, your computer sends a message to the hosting server to send the site to you. Web owners host their websites on these servers.

The basic data protocol uses plain text for sending and receiving information. This is a potential security issue because the data is not secure, and anyone who intercepts it can read it.

What is an HTTP request?

HTTP requests are the messages sent between computers and servers. The computer sends an HTTP request to the web server to tell it what you want to see, such as the home page of a site. The server sends another HTTP request with the data, so the site appears in your web browser.

How does the HTTPS protocol work?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and is an upgrade from HTTP. It has the same ask-and-receive process, but with a twist: the messages are encrypted rather than sent in plain text. Using HTTPS means no one can read your messages, even if they intercept your data.

The HTTPS protocol relies on a special digital certificate: a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate. A computer can request a website's certificate to confirm that it's a safe source. Once confirmed, the computer and the website use encrypted communications to send and receive information.

Accessing a website via HTTPS is essential for sensitive activities such as online shopping and banking. These sites handle your financial data, and a secure connection ensures that it's kept safe from prying eyes.

To check whether the site you're visiting uses HTTPS, simply look at the website address. The beginning will read https:// followed by the website address, if it does.

If it's not secure, it will say http://. Proceed with caution, as the site isn't safe. Modern browsers may warn you if a site uses an HTTP address.

How does TLS/SSL encrypt HTTP requests?

Transport Layer Security and Secure Sockets Layer (TLS/SSL) are protocols that encrypt HTTP traffic. They work by using a set of keys. Here's a simple version of what this process looks like:

1. Your computer reaches out to a website.
2. The website shares its digital certificate, which contains a public key.
3. The computer verifies the digital certificate.
4. When its validity is confirmed, the computer makes a secret code and encrypts it with the public key.
5. The website uses its private key to decrypt the message and reveal the secret code.
6. Session keys are created, and a secure communication channel is established between the computer and the site.

What are the benefits of HTTPS over HTTP?

HTTPS provides several benefits over HTTP.

• HTTPS keeps data private. HTTPS scrambles information so only you and the website you are visiting can access it. This extra layer of protection stops cybercriminals from stealing your login information, messages, and financial data.
• HTTPS makes websites trustworthy. The HTTPS designation ensures that websites have a legitimate security certificate. People are more likely to trust websites that have proven they will protect their visitors' data. Many web hosting providers offer free SSL certificates for sites.
• HTTPS boosts SEO performance. Search engines, like Google and Bing, prioritize HTTPS sites and may rank them higher than HTTP sites. As a result, your site is more likely to attract traffic if you have an SSL certificate.

FAQs

Bottom line

HTTPS provides numerous benefits for both site owners and their visitors. Websites can prove they are trustworthy by using HTTPS protocols, signaling to users and search engines that their sites are safe to visit.

For visitors, HTTPS sites provide confidence that their personal information is being protected. HTTPS provides a basic level of security to stop cybercriminals from stealing personal data.

Many web hosting services, like Hostinger and DreamHost, include free SSL certificates with their plans. It's an easy and simple way to gain authority and trust with users.