HTTP vs HTTPS – The internet has become an essential part of our lives. We use it to communicate with friends and family, to purchase items, to conduct business, and to access information. As more and more of our lives depend on the internet, it’s important to understand the importance of digital security. One of the most important security measures that you can take is to make sure that you are using the HTTPS protocol instead of HTTP. But what is the difference between the two and why is HTTPS safer?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between HTTP and HTTPS and the advantages of using HTTPS over HTTP. We’ll explain why HTTPS is more secure and how you can make sure you’re using it.
What Is HTTP?
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is the protocol used to transmit data between a web server and a web browser. When you enter a URL into your web browser, you are sending an HTTP request to the web server. The web server then responds with the requested page and its accompanying data.
HTTP is used for all webpages that do not require any kind of secure login. This includes most webpages, such as blog posts or news articles. When you access a webpage with HTTP, the data is transmitted in plain text. This means that anyone with access to the network can easily view the data being transmitted.
What Is HTTPS?
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is the same as HTTP, but with an added layer of security. HTTPS encrypts the data being transmitted between the web server and the web browser. This means that the data is not in plain text, but instead it is encrypted and unreadable to anyone who does not have the encryption key.
HTTPS is used for any webpage that requires secure login, such as online banking or e-commerce sites. It is also used for sites that contain sensitive information, such as health or financial records. By using HTTPS, you can be sure that the data being transmitted is safe from prying eyes.
Why Is HTTPS Safer Than HTTP?
There are several reasons why HTTPS is safer than HTTP.
1. Encryption
As mentioned above, the biggest advantage of using HTTPS is that it encrypts the data being transmitted. This means that even if someone were to gain access to the network, they would not be able to view the data.
2. Authentication
HTTPS also provides authentication. This means that the web server can verify that it is connected to the correct web browser. This prevents attackers from redirecting your connection to a malicious website.
3. Data Integrity
HTTPS also ensures the integrity of the data being transmitted. This means that the data cannot be modified or corrupted while in transit. This is important for sites that require the transmission of sensitive information, such as banking sites.
How To Use HTTPS
Using HTTPS is easy. Most websites that require secure logins will automatically use HTTPS. If you are accessing a website that does not require a secure login, you can manually switch to HTTPS by typing “https://” before the URL.
You can also check to see if a website is using HTTPS by looking at the address bar. If the website is using HTTPS, the address bar will show a green padlock icon.
Self Signed VS CA Certificate
Self-signed HTTPS certificates are certificates that are created and signed by the person or entity who is setting up the HTTPS connection. While these certificates do provide an encrypted connection between the client and the server, they are not considered as secure as a standard certificate.
A certificate authority (CA) is an organization that issues digital certificates that authenticate the identity of an organization or individual. These digital certificates are used to securely establish an encrypted connection between two parties and verify that the other party is who they say they are. A certificate authority is a trusted third-party that verifies the identity of the parties involved in an online transaction, which is essential for web security. The CA is responsible for issuing, managing, and revoking digital certificates, and verifying the identity of the certificate holder.
Self-signed certificates are not verified by a trusted third-party certification authority, meaning the connection is potentially vulnerable to a Man-in-the-Middle attack. For that reason, self-signed certificates should not be used for sensitive transactions or for any website that requires strong security. It is important to always use a certificate from a trusted certification authority for any secure website.
How Can You Tell?
You can easily tell if a site is using a self-signed certificate
- Check the URL: Self-signed certificates will usually use a domain such as https://localhost or https://example.com instead of a valid domain name.
- Check for a Lock Icon: Most web browsers will display a warning when connecting to a website that uses a self-signed certificate. Look for a lock icon in the URL bar or an alert message.
- Check the Certificate Details: Open the website’s certificate by clicking the lock icon. Look for the issuer and see if it is a valid certificate authority. If it’s not, then the website is using a self-signed certificate.
Conclusion
HTTPS is a more secure protocol than HTTP. By using HTTPS, you can ensure that the data being transmitted is encrypted and protected from prying eyes. It also provides authentication and data integrity, which makes it ideal for sites that require secure logins or the transmission of sensitive data. By understanding the importance of HTTPS and how to use it, you can ensure that your data is safe and secure when using the internet.