What is the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS?

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:globe_with_meridians: What is the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS?

In today’s digital world, the internet is an essential part of our lives. Whether you’re shopping online, checking emails, or logging into a website, your data is constantly being transmitted over the web. But how secure is this data?

When you look at a website’s URL in your browser, you’ll often see it begin with either HTTP or HTTPS. While they may look similar, there’s a significant difference between the two.

This article explains what HTTP and HTTPS are, how they work, and why HTTPS is increasingly becoming the standard for secure online communication.

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:blue_book: What is HTTP?

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is the foundational protocol used to transmit data on the web. Whenever you access a website, your browser sends a request to the web server using HTTP, and the server responds with the content — such as web pages, images, and videos.

:small_blue_diamond: Features of HTTP:

  • Unsecured communication: Data is sent in plain text, which means it can be intercepted and read.
  • Uses port 80: By default, HTTP operates over port number 80.
  • Faster than HTTPS due to no encryption overhead.
  • Simple and efficient for non-sensitive data.

:locked_with_key: What is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is the secure version of HTTP. It uses a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate to encrypt the data exchanged between the browser and the server.

:small_blue_diamond: Features of HTTPS:

  • Encrypted communication: Data is encrypted, making it unreadable to hackers.
  • Uses port 443: HTTPS operates over port 443.
  • Includes SSL/TLS: It ensures data integrity, confidentiality, and authentication.
  • Widely trusted: Used by banks, e-commerce sites, and any platform handling personal data.

:test_tube: Key Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS

Feature HTTP HTTPS
Full Form Hypertext Transfer Protocol Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
Security Not secure (data in plain text) Secure (data encrypted)
Encryption No Yes (SSL/TLS encryption)
Port Number 80 443
Certificate Not required Requires SSL/TLS certificate
SEO Advantage No Yes (preferred by Google)
Used For Non-sensitive data Sensitive data (login, payment)

:shield: Why HTTPS is Important

1. Data Protection

All information exchanged is encrypted, which protects it from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

2. Authentication

HTTPS verifies that users are communicating with the intended website and not an impostor.

3. SEO Benefits

Google gives ranking boosts to HTTPS-enabled websites.

4. User Trust

Modern browsers show a padlock icon or “secure” label for HTTPS sites. Conversely, they warn users when visiting non-secure HTTP sites.

:toolbox: How HTTPS Works (In Simple Steps)

  1. Client connects to the server using HTTPS.
  2. The server presents an SSL certificate to verify its identity.
  3. A secure handshake takes place, where encryption keys are shared.
  4. Data is encrypted and exchanged between the client and the server securely.

:magnifying_glass_tilted_left: How to Identify HTTPS

  • URL starts with https://
  • A padlock icon appears in the browser’s address bar
  • Click on the padlock to view certificate details

:light_bulb: Conclusion

The difference between HTTP and HTTPS lies in security. While HTTP is fine for browsing public content, HTTPS is crucial when you’re entering sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data.

As cyber threats grow, HTTPS is becoming the new standard — not just for e-commerce or banking, but for every website aiming to provide safety and build trust with its users.

:memo: 5 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the primary difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
A) HTTPS is slower
B) HTTPS is more secure due to encryption
C) HTTP uses more bandwidth
D) HTTP supports authentication

:white_check_mark: Correct Answer: B

2. Which port does HTTPS use by default?
A) 21
B) 80
C) 443
D) 25

:white_check_mark: Correct Answer: C

3. What type of certificate is required for HTTPS to work?
A) HTML Certificate
B) JSON Certificate
C) SSL/TLS Certificate
D) CSS Certificate

:white_check_mark: Correct Answer: C

4. What does the padlock icon in a browser’s address bar represent?
A) Site is blocked
B) Site uses JavaScript
C) Site is using HTTPS and is secure
D) Site is under construction

:white_check_mark: Correct Answer: C

5. Why does Google prefer HTTPS-enabled websites?
A) They load faster
B) They support Flash
C) They are easier to crawl
D) They are more secure and user-friendly

:white_check_mark: Correct Answer: D