To understand the difference between http and https, we first need to understand what they mean. http” stands for “HyperText Transfer Protocol” and “https” for “HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure”. http was created for the web, to enable communication between the surfer and the browser (Chrome, Firefox…).
The essential difference between the 2 protocols lies in security. To check whether a site is secure, its URL must include https, the words “secure” and the pictogram of a padlock. What’s more, since late 2016, Google Chrome has warned Internet users with a message when a site is not secure. Securing a site involves installing an SSL certificate (data encryption). However, the greatest risk factor remains the surfer. He or she must respect the basic rules: no insufficient or recurrent passwords, keep software up to date, avoid visiting dubious sites…
What is the difference between http and https?
The http protocol does not guarantee the security of Internet sites. This is because information is transmitted “in the clear” on the Internet. This means it’s possible for a hacker to harvest confidential information. On the other hand, information circulating between a browser and an https web server is encrypted. The difference between http and https lies mainly in 2 major advantages. Firstly, data protection: e-mails, passwords and customer details are less likely to be intercepted. Secondly, the Google search engine confers better referencing and an optimized position in the SERP for https sites. Not to be underestimated!
How does https work?
To establish a secure connection between site and server, the https protocol was born from the combination of the http protocol and an SSL, then TLS, encryption protocol. In this way, since 2017, the https protocol has guaranteed the security of website users and, by the same token, that of exchanged data. More concretely, this protocol prevents a third-party entity from interfering between the site user and the site. https prevents the recovery of copies of information supplied by visitors, such as credit card numbers, login details, etc. In addition, the spread of malware and cyber-attacks is reduced.
