HTTPS for Dummies: Understanding the Basics

When browsing the internet, you may have noticed that some websites have “https” in their URLs instead of “http”. But have you ever wondered what that extra “s” means? HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, and it is a more secure version of the standard HTTP protocol used to transfer data over the internet.

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What is HTTPS?

HTTPS is a protocol that encrypts the data that is sent between a website and a user’s web browser. It uses a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate to encrypt the data, which makes it more difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept and read it. This means that any sensitive information, such as credit card details or login credentials, that is entered into a website is more secure when HTTPS is used.

How does HTTPS work?

When a user enters a website URL with HTTPS, their web browser initiates a secure connection with the server hosting the website. The server then sends a digital certificate, which includes a public key that the browser uses to encrypt data, to the browser. This certificate is verified by a trusted third-party organization called a Certificate Authority (CA), which confirms that the website is legitimate and the connection is secure. Once the browser has verified the certificate, it can then establish a secure connection with the server and begin exchanging encrypted data.

Industries that most use HTTPS

HTTPS is used by a wide range of industries, including e-commerce, banking, healthcare, and government. Any website that handles sensitive information, such as credit card details, personal information, or medical records, should use HTTPS to protect that information. E-commerce websites, in particular, have a high risk of cyber attacks, so they must take extra precautions to protect their customers’ information.

Use cases for HTTPS

Some of the most important use cases for HTTPS include:

Secure online transactions: Whenever a user makes a purchase on an e-commerce website, they need to enter their credit card details and personal information. Without HTTPS, this information could be intercepted by hackers and used for fraudulent purposes. By using HTTPS, e-commerce websites can ensure that their customers’ information is encrypted and secure.
Secure communication between a user’s web browser and a website: Whenever a user enters a password or other sensitive information into a website, that information is transmitted over the internet. Without HTTPS, that information could be intercepted and read by hackers. HTTPS ensures that this communication is encrypted, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and read the data.

In conclusion

HTTPS is an essential part of internet security. It provides a more secure way to transfer data over the internet, making it more difficult for unauthorized parties to access sensitive information. Any website that handles sensitive information should use HTTPS to protect that information and ensure the safety of their users.