HTTP vs HTTPS: What’s the Difference?

Online security is of paramount concern for both individuals and organizations. As we navigate the vast landscape of the internet, understanding the fundamental distinction between two commonly used protocols, HTTP and HTTPS, is crucial. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of these two protocols, highlighting their significance and the benefits of adopting HTTPS in a corporate context.

Understanding Web Security Before delving into the particulars of HTTP and HTTPS protocols, let’s briefly discuss the need driving the evolution of such protocols. The key driver of this technological advancement is web security. But what exactly is web security?

Suppose you’re accessing a website. As you proceed with browsing, you transmit your data to the server of that particular site. This data may encompass details such as your IP address, browser details, and the specific pages you’re browsing on the site. Importantly, this data is transmitted in a clear and understandable format, which means anyone monitoring your network traffic can easily view it.

When using a public Wi-Fi network, it becomes possible for someone else connected to the same network to intercept this information. That’s precisely why employing a secure connection through HTTP and HTTPS protocols when transmitting sensitive data, like credit card numbers or passwords, is so crucial.

What is HTTP?

HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. It enables the transfer of information between a web browser and a web server. When you enter a website’s URL into your browser, it initiates an HTTP request to retrieve the desired web page.

HTTP allows for the exchange of various types of data, including hypertext documents, images, videos, and other media resources. It operates on a client-server model, where a client initiates a request to a server, and the server responds with the requested data.

HTTP follows a stateless approach, meaning each request is treated independently without retaining any information about previous interactions. Through standardized methods such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and others, HTTP facilitates the retrieval, submission, modification, and removal of resources on the web. This protocol plays a fundamental role in enabling seamless browsing and efficient communication of information across the World Wide Web.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is an enhanced and secure version of HTTP. It employs an additional layer of encryption to protect sensitive data transmitted between a user’s browser and a website’s server. This encryption is achieved using Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols, which establish an encrypted connection and ensure that data remains confidential and tamper-proof.

HTTPS is particularly crucial when sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial transactions, or personal data, is being transmitted. By employing robust encryption mechanisms, HTTPS mitigates the risks associated with man-in-middle attacks, data tampering, and impersonation. This enhanced security ensures that sensitive data remains private and unaltered during transit, bolstering user trust and safeguarding the integrity of online communication channels.

Difference between HTTP and HTTPS

Having discussed the primary underlying principles of HTTP and HTTPS, let’s summarise the key differentiators.