What Is HTTPS & How Does It Work? [Explained]

When browsing the internet, you may have noticed that some websites start with “http://” while others start with “https://”. Have you ever wondered what the difference is and why it matters? In this article, we will explain what HTTPS is and how it works to ensure a secure browsing experience.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is the secure version of HTTP, which is the protocol used for transmitting data between a web browser and a website. The main difference between HTTP and HTTPS is that HTTPS uses encryption to protect the data being transmitted.

Encryption is the process of encoding information in such a way that only authorized parties can access it. In the case of HTTPS, the data is encrypted using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificate. This encryption ensures that any sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, cannot be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized individuals.

How Does HTTPS Work?

When you visit a website that uses HTTPS, your web browser initiates a secure connection with the website’s server. This process involves several steps:

1. Requesting a Secure Connection

When you type a URL starting with “https://” into your browser’s address bar or click on a link that leads to an HTTPS website, your browser sends a request to the server asking for a secure connection.

2. Server Authentication

Once the server receives the request, it sends back its SSL/TLS certificate, which contains a public key. This certificate is issued by a trusted third-party organization called a Certificate Authority (CA). The browser checks the certificate to ensure it is valid and issued by a trusted CA.

3. Key Exchange

If the certificate is valid, the browser generates a random symmetric encryption key and encrypts it using the server’s public key from the SSL/TLS certificate. The encrypted key is then sent back to the server.

4. Secure Connection Established

The server decrypts the encrypted key using its private key, which is kept secret. Both the browser and the server now have the same symmetric encryption key, which they will use to encrypt and decrypt data during the browsing session.

Benefits of Using HTTPS

There are several benefits to using HTTPS:

1. Data Security

HTTPS ensures that any data transmitted between your browser and the website’s server is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by hackers or unauthorized individuals. This is especially important when transmitting sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal information.

2. Authentication

HTTPS provides authentication, which means that you can be sure you are connecting to the intended website and not a malicious imposter. The SSL/TLS certificate verifies the identity of the website, giving you peace of mind that you are interacting with a legitimate entity.

3. SEO Benefits

In addition to security benefits, using HTTPS can also improve your website’s search engine rankings. Search engines like Google prioritize secure websites and may give them a slight ranking boost. This means that implementing HTTPS can potentially increase your website’s visibility and organic traffic.

Conclusion

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, providing encryption and data security when browsing the internet. By encrypting data using SSL/TLS certificates, HTTPS ensures that sensitive information remains private and cannot be intercepted by unauthorized individuals. It also provides authentication, giving users confidence that they are connecting to legitimate websites. Implementing HTTPS not only enhances security but can also have SEO benefits by improving search engine rankings. As internet security becomes increasingly important, it is crucial for website owners to prioritize HTTPS to protect their users’ data and provide a safe browsing experience.