HTTP and HTTPS are both protocols used for communication between web browsers and websites, but HTTPS offers a crucial security advantage. Here’s a breakdown:
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): This is the foundation of communication on the web. It establishes a set of rules for how data is formatted and transmitted between a browser and a server. However, HTTP doesn’t encrypt the data being exchanged. This means information you send or receive, like login details or credit card information, could be intercepted by someone snooping on the network traffic.
- HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): This is the secure version of HTTP. HTTPS works by adding a layer of encryption on top of HTTP using a technology called Transport Layer Security (TLS). This encryption scrambles the data being sent back and forth, making it unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it.
Here’s an analogy:
- Imagine HTTP like sending a postcard. Anyone who comes across it can read the message.
- HTTPS is like sending a sealed letter. Only the intended recipient can open it and read the contents.
In short, using HTTPS is essential for any website that transmits sensitive information. Modern web browsers indicate if a website is secure using HTTPS with a padlock symbol in the address bar. You should always look for this symbol when entering personal information on a website.