HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This is the encrypted version of HTTP. HTTPS is a combination of Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) / Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.

TLS is an authentication and security protocol widely implemented in web browsers / servers.

How important is HTTP / HTTPS to the World Wide Web (WWW)?

HTTP is the entire backbone of the World Wide Web. The HTTP protocol is vital for the operation of the WWW (World Wide Web), and the encryption layer of HTTPS is necessary when browsers send or retrieve confidential data, such as passwords or banking information.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS is a short form for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This is the secure version of HTTP, the primary protocol used to send data between a web browser and a website.

How is HTTPS different from HTTP?

HTTPS is not a separate protocol from HTTP. As we mentioned earlier, HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. which means that HTTPS just uses TLS / SSL encryption over the HTTP protocol.

How does HTTPS work?

HTTPS uses an encryption protocol called Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt communications, which was previously known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).
A TSL certificate provides an extra layer of security for sensitive data that we don’t want third-party intruders to obtain, like credit / debit card data, other important user data, etc.

What is TLS? How it works

HTTPS needs a TLS certificate to be installed on your server. TLS stands for Transfer Layer Security. You can apply certificates to different protocols, such as HTTP (web), SMTP (email), and FTP. It secures communications using an asymmetric public key infrastructure. To encrypt communications between two parties, this type of system uses two different keys called the private key and the public key.

1. The public key used for encryption

1. Private key is required for decryption

HTTPS STACK

You already know TLS by another acronym, SSL (Secure socket layer). SSL was the first way we secured the Internet. As we developed our standards, we phased out SSL, but the acronym remains the popular term for TLS.

If you look at the network stack diagram above, HTTP is on top, above TLS, which is on top of the TCP and IP layers.

When HTTP is combined with TLS, you get HTTPS This secure version of HTTP.

The HTTPS handshake

The server responds with its certificate each time our browser connects to an HTTPS server. The browser checks if the certificate is valid. For the certificate to be valid:

• Owner information must match the server name requested by the user
• It must be signed by a trusted certification authority.

• A series of handshakes take place when HTTP is used. The initial request is sent to the server for verification.
• When the server responds that this is the desired server, the client then sends a message.
• At this point, the communication becomes encrypted.
• Exchange of encryption keys or ciphers.
• Now reader communication can continue. The initial steps of a handshake take place in milliseconds.

Difference between HTTPS and HTTP

Advantage of using HTTPS

Here are some of the benefits of using HTTPS

1. Highly secures your data in transit.

1. Protects your website from all kinds of data breaches.

1. Builds trust with your website visitors.

1. No security warning.

1. Help improve website ranking.

1. Help increase revenue per user.

Conclusion

HTTPS should be used on all websites. This way, you provide your visitors with a secure connection and a website they can trust. They will have the assurance that communication is with your server and that no one is reaching their maximum.