HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, which is a protocol for securing communication and data transfer between a users web browser and a website. It is an extension of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) that uses encryption for secure communication over a computer network. HTTPS encrypts the data entered into a user’s device to safely deliver it to the website they are interacting with, and it also encrypts data going from the website to the browser.
HTTPS is not a separate protocol from HTTP, but rather a variant that uses Transport Layer Security (TLS)/Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption over HTTP to secure communications. When a web server and web browser talk to each other over HTTPS, they engage in whats known as a handshake -- an exchange of TLS/SSL certificates -- to verify the providers identity and protect the user and their data.
The HTTPS protocol makes it possible for website users to transmit sensitive data such as credit card numbers, banking information, and login credentials securely over the internet. For this reason, HTTPS is especially important for securing online activities such as shopping, banking, and remote work. However, HTTPS is quickly becoming the standard protocol for all websites, whether or not they exchange sensitive data with users.
Some key features of HTTPS include:
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Encryption: HTTPS adds encryption to the HTTP protocol by wrapping HTTP inside the SSL/TLS protocol, so that all messages are encrypted in both directions between two networked computers.
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Authentication: HTTPS uses SSL/TLS certificates to verify the identity of the website being accessed, protecting users against eavesdroppers and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks.
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Integrity: HTTPS ensures that the data being transmitted between the user and the website is not tampered with or altered in any way.
In summary, HTTPS is a secure way to send data between a web server and a web browser, and it is becoming the standard protocol for all websites. It adds encryption, authentication, and integrity to the HTTP protocol, making it possible for users to transmit sensitive data securely over the internet.
