Difference Between HTTP And HTTPS
Know the difference between HTTP and HTTPS in depth and its key features in this article. Both are communication protocols used for transferring data between your web browser (like Chrome or Firefox) and websites.
Riya Sharma7 Dec, 2023
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Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS: HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) are both communication protocols used for transferring data between your web browser (like Chrome or Firefox) and websites. The key difference between them lies in the level of security they offer during data transmission.
Below we will discussed about the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.Suggested - Difference Between IMAP and POP3
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HTTP and HTTPS Difference
HTTP operates without any encryption, meaning that the data sent between your browser and the website is in plain text, making it susceptible to interception by hackers. This lack of security could potentially expose sensitive information like passwords or credit card details when transmitted. On the other hand, HTTPS uses encryption technology to secure the data exchange between your browser and the website. This encryption protects the information from unauthorized access, making it extremely difficult for cybercriminals to intercept and decipher the data being transmitted. In short, HTTPS is the more secure version of HTTP, providing an extra layer of protection for your data while browsing the web. You can identify a secure website by the presence of "https://" in the website's URL and a padlock symbol in the browser's address bar, giving you peace of mind that your data is being transmitted safely.What is HTTP
HTTP, short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is a fundamental communication system used on the internet. When you enter a website address in your browser, it sends a request to the webserver using HTTP. The webserver then responds by sending the requested data, typically in the form of web pages, back to your browser. In simple terms, HTTP allows data to be transferred from the server to your device. It's important to note that HTTP operates on top of another protocol called TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and sets rules for web browsers and servers to follow when communicating with each other. One key characteristic of HTTP is that it is stateless, meaning each transaction is independent and has no memory of previous interactions. Once a transaction is completed, the connection is closed. This ensures efficient data exchange but also requires new connections for each new request.What is HTTPS
HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is a safer and more secure version of the HTTP protocol. While HTTP does not provide data security, HTTPS ensures that data is transferred in an encrypted form, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and decipher sensitive information. This level of security is particularly important when entering bank account details or login credentials on websites. In modern browsers like Chrome, HTTP and HTTPS are distinguished with different markings to alert users about the security level of the website they are visiting. HTTPS achieves encryption using a protocol called Transport Layer Security (TLS) or, alternatively, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). It employs a technique called asymmetric public key infrastructure, which involves two types of keys: the private key, known only to the web server owner, and the public key, available to everyone. The private key decrypts information encrypted by the public key, while the public key converts data into an encrypted form, ensuring safe and secure data transmission.Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS
The main distinction between HTTP and HTTPS lies in the SSL certificate. While both are communication protocols, HTTPS is an upgraded version of HTTP that includes an important security feature. Below we have provided the table for difference between HTTP and HTTPS.| Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS | ||
| Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
| Full Form | Hypertext Transfer Protocol | Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure |
| Data Security | No encryption, data is plain text | Data is encrypted for secure transmission |
| Protocol Layer | Application layer | Application layer |
| Security Layer | No security layer | Uses TLS/SSL for data encryption |
| URL | Begins with "http://" | Begins with "https://" |
| Port | Uses port 80 | Uses port 443 |
| Data Integrity | No data integrity check | Ensures data integrity through encryption |
| Security | Less secure, vulnerable to interception and attacks | More secure, protects against data interception and attacks |
| Use Cases | Suitable for general browsing and non-sensitive information | Essential for transmitting sensitive data, e.g., financial transactions, login credentials |
| Indicators | Not visually marked in the browser | Visually marked with a padlock or "Secure" label in the browser |
| Performance | Generally faster due to no encryption overhead | Slightly slower due to encryption and decryption processes |
| Adoption | Widespread and commonly used | Increasingly adopted for better security |
Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS FAQs
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, while HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. The main difference lies in the security aspect, where HTTPS offers encryption to protect data during transmission, whereas HTTP does not provide any encryption.
Why is HTTPS more secure than HTTP?
HTTPS is more secure than HTTP because it uses SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt the data exchanged between a user's browser and the website's server. This encryption ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and is not accessible to unauthorized parties.
Is HTTPS necessary for my website?
Yes, implementing HTTPS is highly recommended, especially if your website collects sensitive information from users, such as login credentials, payment details, or personal data. It not only ensures data security but also improves user trust and SEO rankings.
Does HTTPS impact website performance?
HTTPS might slightly affect website performance due to the encryption and decryption processes involved. However, with advancements in SSL/TLS protocols and hardware acceleration, the impact is minimal and outweighed by the added security benefits.
How can I switch from HTTP to HTTPS?
To switch from HTTP to HTTPS, you need to obtain an SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). Install the certificate on your web server, update your website's URL to use "https://" instead of "http://," and ensure that all internal links and resources are also using HTTPS.
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