Top 9 Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS – HTTP vs HTTPS Comparison

Introduction

We rarely notice if the URL of a website is starting with HTTP or HTTPS. You can easily check it in the address bar of your browser. It can be either HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). Both of them may look similar, but they are different in many ways including security.

In this blog, we will discuss the difference between HTTP and HTTPS. Know their definition, advantages, and application areas.

What is HTTP?

HTTP helps in making communication between various communication systems via the HTTP protocol. So, the user submits an HTTP request through the browser. Further, the web server transmits the data requested by the user in the form of web pages. The HTTP protocol lets you send data from the server to the client. It is the application layer protocol above the TCP layer. HTTP has some common guidelines for web browsers and servers. 

Furthermore, each transaction is carried out independently without knowing the prior transactions. Thus, HTTP is a stateless protocol and the connection is lost once the transaction between the web browser and the server is complete.

What is HTTPS?

HTTP makes the security of the data possible but is not as secure as HTTPS. This makes an important difference between HTTP and HTTPS. We use HTTPS to secure a website from data tampering and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. This protocol allows the transmission of encrypted data. Additionally, HTTPS protocol is necessary when entering bank account information. So, the HTTPS protocol is suitable in situations where you have to enter the login information. 

Difference between HTTP and HTTPS in Tabular Form

Below are the all main HTTP and HTTPS differences that you should know.
 

HTTP or HTTPS Which is More Secure?

Using TLS (SSL), HTTPS encrypts regular HTTP requests and responses. TLS also helps to digitally sign those requests and responses. Thus, HTTPS is far more secure than HTTP. 

When you go through a website, you send data to its server each time. This data may consist of your IP address, the browser, and the website pages. Since this data is provided in plain text, anyone keeping track of your traffic can see it. But, any information you communicate like passwords, will be hard for anyone to access if an organization activates HTTPS.

When you talk about HTTP vs HTTPS vulnerability, HTTP has many vulnerabilities. Common HTTP vulnerabilities include cross-site scripting, insecure direct object references, and SQL injection.

Importance of SSL/TLS certificates?

SSL/TLS certificates are crucial because they serve to keep your information secure over the Internet. Your data is safe with secure encryption. SSL/TLS certificates get released by Certificate Authorities (CAs). Further, the browser determines the validity of the SSL/TLScCertificate when you visit a website.

Moreover, an SSL certificate is a crucial difference between HTTP and HTTPS. However, all websites don't have to use SSL/TLS certificates. However, those who collect or transfer sensitive data are advised to do so. It can be social media platforms, e-commerce websites, and other websites. You can easily check if your website requires an SSL/TLS certificate. If you face any issues, ask your web hosting company or an IT expert for advice.

HTTP vs HTTPS Key Takeaways
 

• HTTP lacks a security method to encrypt the data. But HTTPS offers SSL or TLS Digital Certificates to secure the communication between server and client.
• HTTPS runs at the Transport Layer but HTTP works at the Application Layer.
• You need to install the signed SSL certificate to use the HTTPS protocol. 
• But, the HTTP protocol lacks an SSL certificate. Thus, it transfers the data in plain text without being decrypted.
• The default port for HTTP and HTTPS is 80 and 443 respectively.
• HTTPS sends data in cipher text (encrypted text). Whereas HTTP sends data in plain text. This is an important difference between HTTP and HTTPS.
• HTTPS requires processing power to secure the communication route. Thus HTTP is faster than HTTPS.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between HTTP and HTTPS is advantageous for any organization. These protocols are crucial for protecting the information of consumers and clients. HTTPS encrypts and decrypts user page requests and the pages the Web server returns. It also ensures the confidentiality of data exchanged between the browser and the website. Whereas HTTP offers a standard for communication between a web browser and a web server.

We hope now you have a better grasp of HTTP vs. HTTPS and you will establish a secure connection from now.

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