What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) are both protocols used for transmitting data over the internet. The main difference between them lies in their security features:

Security:

HTTP: It is the standard, non-secure version of the protocol. Data transmitted via HTTP is sent in plain text, which means it is not encrypted. This lack of encryption makes it susceptible to interception and eavesdropping, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the data.

HTTPS: It is the secure version of HTTP. The "S" in HTTPS stands for "Secure." HTTPS uses encryption to protect data during transmission, making it secure against eavesdropping and tampering. It ensures that the data sent between the user's browser and the website's server remains confidential and cannot be easily intercepted by malicious actors.

Data Transmission:

HTTP: Data is transmitted as plain text. This means that if someone intercepts the data packets during transmission, they can easily read and understand the information being exchanged between the client (user's browser) and the server.

HTTPS: Data is encrypted using SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) protocols before transmission. Encryption scrambles the data, making it unreadable to anyone without the proper decryption key. This ensures that even if someone intercepts the data packets, they will only see encrypted gibberish.

Port:

HTTP: Uses port 80 for communication.

HTTPS: Uses port 443 for communication.

Security Certificate:

HTTP: Does not require a security certificate.

HTTPS: Requires an SSL/TLS certificate installed on the web server. The certificate is issued by a trusted third-party Certificate Authority (CA) and is used to establish the website's identity and enable encryption.

Browser Indicators:

HTTP: Browsers do not display any special indicators to show that the connection is not secure.

HTTPS: Browsers display a padlock icon and/or "Secure" label in the address bar to indicate that the connection is secure and the website has a valid SSL certificate.

In summary, the key difference between HTTP and HTTPS is the security aspect. HTTPS provides a secure and encrypted connection, protecting sensitive data from interception and ensuring the authenticity of the website. It is especially important for websites that handle sensitive information like login credentials, personal data, and financial transactions. As a result, HTTPS has become the standard for most websites to ensure a safer browsing experience for users.