What's HTTP and how does it affect your browsing experience?
HTTP stands for
Consider the URL
On the other hand HTTPS protocol has an additional S, which stands for secure i.e.
In other words, HTTPS may be regarded as a combination of HTTP and SSL.
In case of SSL, when the client requests to connect to website, the user's computer receives an encryption certificate. The moment connection is established, both the computer and and server exchange special keys with each other to exchange secured data. And transfer takes place on approval by both the parties. This encoding/decoding algorithm is unique for each client-server interaction.
HTTP connections use a port 80 by default. While HTTPS uses 443.
Summarising the key features of HTTP:
- It is platform independant which allows straight cross platform porting.
- No run-time support required.
- It's not connection oriented and can be used over Firewalls.
- No need for network to create and maintain session state and information.
- No privacy, the data you share can be exposed or overseen by anyone.
- No integrity implies anyone can alter the content.
- No encryption gives a chance of eavesdropping snesitive information.
- No authentication, thus you don't know whom you are interacting with. Anyone who intercepts can see the username and password.
On the other hand HTTPS offers Privacy, Integrity and Authentication, proving it to be highly secure.
While making online transactions or signing up for similar portals be careful to check for the additional "S" at the end.