HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is a protocol for secure communication over a computer network, and is widely used on the Internet. It is the secure version of HTTP, which is the protocol used for web browsing.

Key Features of HTTPS

  • Encryption: HTTPS uses encryption to protect data transmitted over the network, making it secure from eavesdropping and tampering.
  • Authentication: It helps in ensuring that the data is being transmitted to the correct server and that the server is genuine.
  • Data Integrity: It ensures that the data sent over the network has not been modified or corrupted in transit.

How HTTPS Works

  1. Handshake: When a client (like a web browser) wants to establish a connection with a server, they first perform a handshake to agree on the encryption algorithms to use.
  2. SSL/TLS: The handshake uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols to secure the connection.
  3. Data Transfer: Once the connection is established, data can be securely transferred between the client and the server.

Why is HTTPS Important?

  • Security: It protects sensitive information like login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal data from being intercepted by hackers.
  • Trust: It helps in building trust with users, as it shows that the website is secure and has taken steps to protect their data.

How to Check If a Website Uses HTTPS

  • Look for the padlock icon next to the website URL in the browser address bar.
  • Ensure that the URL starts with https:// instead of http://.

Learn More

To learn more about cybersecurity and other important topics, visit our Cybersecurity Blog.

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