HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) are protocols used for transferring data between a user’s web browser and a website. Here are five key differences between HTTP and HTTPS:
Security:
HTTP: HTTP is not a secure protocol. The data transferred between the user’s browser and the website is sent in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception by malicious actors. This lack of encryption means that sensitive information such as login credentials, personal details, and payment information can be easily intercepted.
HTTPS: HTTPS, as the “S” implies, stands for secure. It adds a layer of security by encrypting the data exchanged between the user and the website. This encryption helps protect sensitive information from being intercepted by unauthorized parties during transmission.
Protocol:
HTTP: HTTP operates on the application layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. It is the standard protocol for web communication but does not include built-in encryption.
HTTPS: HTTPS is essentially the same as HTTP but operates over a secure SSL/TLS (Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security) connection, adding an extra layer of security. It uses port 443 for communication, while HTTP uses port 80.
URL Scheme:
HTTP: URLs for HTTP websites start with “http://” (e.g., http://www.example.com). The absence of the letter “S” indicates that the connection is not secure.
HTTPS: URLs for HTTPS websites start with “https://” (e.g., https://www.example.com). The inclusion of the letter “S” indicates a secure connection, providing encrypted data transfer.
Certificate Requirement:
HTTP: HTTP does not require the use of an SSL/TLS certificate. Communications are in plain text, and there is no need for the server to prove its identity through a digital certificate.
HTTPS: HTTPS requires the website to have an SSL/TLS certificate. This certificate is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) and is used to authenticate the identity of the website. The presence of a valid certificate helps users trust that they are connecting to the intended, secure website.
Port:
HTTP: HTTP typically uses port 80 for communication.
HTTPS: HTTPS typically uses port 443 for secure communication. The use of a different port helps distinguish between secure and non-secure connections.
In summary, the main difference between HTTP and HTTPS is the level of security they provide. HTTPS adds encryption to the communication process, protecting sensitive data from potential eavesdropping and tampering during transmission. As a result, many websites have transitioned to using HTTPS to ensure the security and privacy of user data.