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HTTP and HTTPS are two different protocols used to transfer data over the internet. They both are used to transfer data between a web server and a web browser, but HTTPS offers an added layer of security.
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol and is the standard protocol used to transfer data on the World Wide Web. When you type a website address into your browser and hit enter, the browser sends a request to the web server using HTTP. The web server then sends back a response, which the browser uses to display the website on your screen. HTTP is a simple and efficient protocol, but it does not provide any security for the data being transferred between the web server and the browser.
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and is an extension of the basic HTTP protocol. It uses the same basic structure as HTTP but adds an extra layer of security by encrypting the data being transferred. This encryption makes it much harder for hackers or other malicious actors to intercept or steal the data being transferred. When you visit a website that uses HTTPS, your browser will establish a secure connection with the web server using the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. These protocols are designed to encrypt the data being transferred, making it much harder for anyone to intercept or read the data.
One of the main differences between HTTP and HTTPS is that HTTPS encrypts the data being transferred and uses a digital certificate to identify the website. This digital certificate is issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) and confirms that the website is legitimate and belongs to the person or organization that claims to own it. This is important because it helps to protect users from phishing scams or other forms of online fraud.
Another difference between HTTP and HTTPS is that HTTPS uses port 443 instead of the standard port 80 used by HTTP.
Additionally, web browsers tend to provide visual cues such as a lock icon, green address bar, or the word ‘Secure’ to indicate a website is using HTTPS. This makes it easy for users to identify and trust legitimate websites, which can be useful in preventing phishing attacks or other malicious activities on the web.
In conclusion, HTTP and HTTPS are two protocols used to transfer data on the internet, with HTTPS offering an added layer of security by encrypting data being transferred, and the use of a digital certificate to identify a website. Additionally, web browsers tend to give visual cues to indicate a website is using HTTPS, that can be helpful for users to identify a trustworthy website. It’s important to note that for any kind of sensitive information like personal, financial or medical data, it’s recommended to use HTTPS, as it ensures a secure transfer of data and prevent it from being intercepted or stolen.
