What is HTTPS?
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secure communication protocol used to protect data exchanged between a user’s web browser and a website. It encrypts the data exchanged between the browser and a website using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) /TLS (Transport Layer Security), protecting sensitive information like passwords and payment details from being intercepted. Websites with HTTPS display a padlock icon and “https://” in the URL, indicating a secure connection. Modern browsers flag non-HTTPS sites as “Not Secure,” making it essential for trust and safety online.
Key Takeaways
- HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, using SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit.
- Websites without HTTPS are marked as “Not Secure” in modern browsers, affecting user trust and credibility.
- HTTPS often works with HTTP/2, enabling faster performance and better load times.
How Does HTTPS Work?
HTTPS works by encrypting the communication between a user’s web browser and a website using SSL/TLS protocols, with TLS being the modern and more secure version, replacing the outdated SSL.
The encryption process relies on a method called asymmetric encryption, which uses a pair of cryptographic keys to protect the data being transmitted:
- Public Key: Shared openly and used to encrypt data before it’s sent to the server.
- Private Key: Stored securely on the web server and used to decrypt the information encrypted by the public key.
When a user visits an HTTPS-enabled website, the browser and server perform an SSL/TLS handshake. This process includes:
- Authentication – The server provides a digital certificate to verify its identity.
- Key Exchange – The browser and server use the public key to establish a shared session key.
- Encrypted Data Transfer – Once verified, all communication is encrypted using symmetric encryption, which is both secure and efficient.
This entire process happens in a fraction of a second and ensures a secure connection by protecting sensitive information.
Why is HTTPS Important?
Essential for protecting data and maintaining user trust, HTTPS encrypts all information, such as login credentials and payment details, preventing plain-text transmission between the browser and the website. Unencrypted data is easily intercepted by network monitors, particularly over public Wi-Fi or unsecured connections.
Using free and readily available tools, attackers can “sniff” unprotected traffic, exposing sensitive information and leaving users vulnerable to on-path (man-in-the-middle) attacks. These threats can lead to stolen identities, unauthorized access, or even financial loss.
HTTPS addresses these risks by encrypting all data exchanged, ensuring that even if someone intercepts the data packets, the content remains unreadable. This encryption is crucial not just for security, but also for establishing a trustworthy connection, preventing tampering, and verifying the legitimacy of the website.
Advantages of HTTPS
HTTPS guarantees encrypted and private communication, building a trustworthy online presence. Below are the core advantages that make HTTPS a standard across today’s digital platforms.
1. Secure Communication
HTTPS creates an encrypted channel between the user's browser and the website, ensuring all data transmitted remains protected from eavesdropping and tampering.
2. Data Integrity
Encryption prevents unauthorized modifications during transmission. Even if data is intercepted, it can’t be altered or understood, preserving its original integrity.
3. Privacy and Security
HTTPS safeguards user data by blocking passive attacks, such as data sniffing, and prevents exposure of personal information.
4. Faster Performance
Modern HTTPS implementations use HTTP/2, which improves loading speed by compressing and multiplexing requests and making secure sites faster than traditional HTTP ones.
Consequences of Not Having HTTPS
Websites without HTTPS lack essential SSL/TLS encryption, putting data security and user trust at risk. Modern browsers flag these sites as not secure, affecting website credibility and visibility. Below are the key consequences of not using HTTPS:
1. No Encryption
Without HTTPS, data transferred between the user's browser and the website is sent in plain text. This means anyone on the same network like public Wi-Fi can intercept and read the information. Sensitive details such as passwords or credit card numbers can be easily exploited by cybercriminals.
2. Browser Security Warnings
Web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge clearly label websites without HTTPS as “Not Secure” in the address bar. These warnings alert users that the site may put their data at risk. As a result, many visitors abandon the site before proceeding, affecting traffic and trust.
3. Loss of User Trust
When a website lacks HTTPS, users become wary of sharing personal or financial information. The absence of a secure connection signals poor security practice. This erodes confidence, leading to reduced engagement, fewer form submissions, and overall credibility.
Key Differences between HTTP and HTTPS
| Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Data Encryption | No encryption – data is sent in plain text | Encrypted using SSL/TLS to protect data during transmission |
| Security Level | Low – vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and data interception | High – ensures secure and authenticated data exchange |
| Browser Indicator | Marked as “Not Secure” in browsers | Shows a padlock icon indicating a secure connection |
| Performance | Slower, uses older protocol standards | Faster with support for HTTP/2 and optimized transmission |
Key Terms
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
The original protocol for transferring data over the web, but without encryption.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
A deprecated encryption protocol formerly used to secure HTTPS connections.
Padlock Icon
A visual indicator in the browser address bar showing that a site is using HTTPS.