Table of Contents
HTTP vs HTTPS
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) are application-layer protocols used to transfer web pages and other resources between web browsers and web servers.
The main difference is that HTTPS encrypts the communication, while HTTP does not.
At a Glance
| Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | No | Yes |
| Default Port | 80 | 443 |
| Confidentiality | No | Yes |
| Integrity Protection | No | Yes |
| Authentication | No | Yes (certificate) |
| URL Prefix | http:// | https:// |
What Is HTTP?
HTTP is the standard protocol used to transfer web pages.
Example:
http://example.com
With HTTP:
- Data is transmitted in plain text.
- Anyone who intercepts the traffic may be able to read it.
- The browser cannot verify the identity of the website.
What Is HTTPS?
HTTPS is simply HTTP running over an encrypted TLS connection.
Example:
https://example.com
HTTPS provides three important security properties:
- Encryption
- Authentication
- Data Integrity
Why Is HTTPS Important?
Suppose you log in to a website.
With HTTP:
Browser username password ────────────► Server
The information is not encrypted.
Someone monitoring the network may be able to read it.
With HTTPS:
Browser Encrypted Data ────────────► Server
Only the browser and server can read the information.
TLS
HTTPS relies on TLS (Transport Layer Security).
TLS is responsible for:
- Encrypting data
- Verifying the server's identity
- Protecting data from modification
Without TLS, HTTPS would not exist.
Certificates
Every HTTPS website presents a digital certificate.
The certificate contains information such as:
- Domain name
- Organization (when applicable)
- Certificate Authority (CA)
- Expiration date
- Public key
Your browser checks this certificate before establishing a secure connection.
Browser Indicators
Modern browsers typically show:
HTTP
http://example.com
No padlock is displayed.
Some browsers may display:
Not Secure
HTTPS
https://example.com
A padlock icon indicates that the connection is encrypted.
Common Uses
Today, HTTPS should be used for nearly all websites, including:
- Online banking
- Email
- E-commerce
- Social media
- Government services
- Personal blogs
Search engines also favor HTTPS-enabled websites.
Can HTTPS Guarantee a Safe Website?
No.
HTTPS only protects the communication between your browser and the server.
A malicious website can still use HTTPS.
Therefore:
HTTPS does not guarantee that a website is trustworthy.
It only guarantees that:
- The connection is encrypted.
- The server has presented a valid certificate.
HTTP vs HTTPS in Telenegar
Telenegar Site Check can verify whether a website:
- Supports HTTPS
- Redirects HTTP to HTTPS
- Has a valid TLS certificate
- Uses modern TLS versions
- Has certificate problems
This information helps identify common security issues.
Common Misconceptions
- HTTPS means the website is safe.
- False. HTTPS secures the connection, not the website's content.
- HTTP is obsolete.
- False. HTTP is still used in some internal networks and legacy systems, although HTTPS is strongly recommended for public websites.
- HTTPS is much slower than HTTP.
- Modern TLS implementations have very little performance impact on today's hardware and networks.