HTTPS is a more secure version of HTTP, the primary protocol used to send data between a web browser and a website. It encrypts data to increase the security of data transfer, especially when users transmit sensitive information like login credentials, bank account details, email services, or health insurance providers. All websites, especially those that require login credentials, should use HTTPS. Modern web browsers like Chrome mark websites without HTTPS differently and flag them as not secure.
HTTPS uses an encryption protocol called Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt communications. TLS uses an asymmetric public key infrastructure, which utilizes two different keys to encrypt communications between two parties: a private key and a public key. The private key is controlled by the owner of the website and is used to decrypt information encrypted by the public key. The public key is available to everyone who wants to interact with the server in a secure way.
HTTPS prevents websites from having their information easily viewed by anyone snooping on the network. When information is sent over regular HTTP, it is easily “sniffed” using free software, making communication over an unsecure medium like public Wi-Fi highly vulnerable to interception. In websites without HTTPS, it is also possible for ISPs or other intermediaries to inject content into web pages, such as unpaid advertising, without the approval of the website owner. HTTPS eliminates the ability of unmoderated third parties to inject their content into the site.
Looking to learn more? We suggest heading over to Cloudflare’s Learning Center for an in-depth look at HTTPS.
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