Terminology » Networking Basics » HTTP vs HTTPS: Understanding the Differences

HTTP vs HTTPS: Understanding the Differences

http https security protocol encryption

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) are both protocols used for transferring data over the internet, but they offer different levels of security.

HTTP - Hypertext Transfer Protocol

HTTP is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. It’s an application layer protocol that governs how data is formatted and transmitted between a client (usually a web browser) and a web server.

HTTP operates over a clear-text connection, meaning the data exchanged between the client and server isn’t encrypted. This lack of encryption makes it susceptible to eavesdropping and tampering by malicious actors. It’s considered insecure for transmitting sensitive information like login credentials or personal data.

HTTP connection Figure 1: A simple HTTP connection between a client (web user) and a web server.

As shown, this is an unsecured HTTP connection and is therefore prone to intrusion or attack by hackers. It uses normal TCP/IP and UDP protocols. The normal IP header is used for routing, and data isn’t encrypted before transmission.

HTTPS - Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. It adds a layer of security to data transmission by using encryption. It uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) or its predecessor SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to encrypt the data exchanged between the client and server.

When you visit a website using HTTPS, your connection to the website is encrypted, making it much more difficult for third parties to intercept or manipulate the data being transmitted. This encryption ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the data.

HTTPS connection Figure 2: A secured HTTPS connection between a client (web user) and a web server.

As shown, since this is a secured HTTPS connection in which data is encrypted before transmission, the data is safe for transportation over the connection. This data cannot be intruded upon or attacked by hackers.

Various tunneling protocols are used to provide security at layer-2 (data link layer), layer-3 (network layer), and layer-4 (transport layer). IPsec protocol is used at layer-3. TLS/SSL protocols are used at layer-4 i.e. transport layer.

HTTPS uses SSL certificates in order to encrypt the data to be transmitted with the use of a public key. The owner of the public key can share the key with anyone using the SSL certificate. There is another key known as the private key used for encryption process.

HTTPS is indicated by a padlock symbol in the web browser’s address bar, and the URL begins with “https://” instead of “http://”. Major web browsers also mark non-HTTPS websites as “Not Secure” to encourage better security practices.

10 Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP is the standard protocol for transferring data over the internet, but it isn’t secure for transmitting sensitive information. HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, utilizing encryption to protect data during transmission, making it essential for secure online communication, such as e-commerce, online banking, and user authentication on websites.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between HTTP and HTTPS:

FeatureHTTPHTTPS
Full FormHyper Text Transfer ProtocolHyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure
DefinitionUnsecured communication over internet.Secured communication over computer network used as internet.
ScramblingData isn’t scrambled; prone to hacking.Data is scrambled with code before transmission; secure from hacking.
Security protocolsNo security protocols.Uses security protocols at transport layer (SSL/TSL) and layers 2 & 3.
Authentication, Privacy, IntegrityDoesn’t support all these.Supports all; provides authentication, privacy, and integrity.
ApplicationsNormal web browsing, email messenger applications.Payment/banking transactions, official email transfer, sensitive data.
Port number80 or 8080.443.
Browser IndicationNot indicated as secure.Indicated as secure with a padlock icon or “secure” label.
SEO rankingMay be ranked lower in search results.Google may favor HTTPS websites in search rankings.
Certificate requirementNot required.Requires an SSL/TLS certificate.
Protocol usedOperates at TCP/IP model.Uses ordinary HTTP but over encrypted TLS/SSL connection.
Example URLhttp://www.innowitech.com/https://www.rfwireless-world.com/, https://www.usbank.com/
Reference RFCsRFC 2616, RFC 7230, RFC 7231RFC 2818, RFC 5246

Conclusion

From the comparison between HTTP and HTTPS, we can conclude the following:

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is an unsecured protocol for transferring data over the internet, transmitting data in plain text and lacking encryption and data integrity checks, making it unsuitable for sensitive information.

In contrast, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secured version that uses encryption (TLS/SSL) to protect data during transmission, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.

HTTPS is indicated in the browser’s address bar, is favored by search engines, and requires an SSL/TLS certificate, making it the preferred choice for secure online communication and transactions.

HTTPS is the recommended choice for websites and web applications, especially when dealing with sensitive user data or conducting e-commerce transactions, as it provides a higher level of security and trustworthiness compared to plain HTTP.