What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

In this article, we'll look at the difference between HTTP and HTTPS protocols and explain what data encryption is and why everyone is switching to HTTPS.

Олександр Л.
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Олександр Л.

07 March 2025

287

287

07 March 2025

When we enter the address of a website in a browser, our PC or smartphone exchanges information with this resource. This happens through data transfer protocols that vary in security. The main ones are HTTP and HTTPS. In this article, we will look at the difference between these protocols, explain what data encryption is and why everyone is switching to HTTPS.

What is HTTP: how it works

HTTP and HTTPS are the two main data transfer protocols that are widely used to exchange information between servers and browsers. It's important to understand the difference between them because it affects the security of your data. HyperText Transfer Protocol is a standard data transfer protocol. It helps to exchange information between the site (server) and the user's browser. The principle of operation is that when a user enters a link in the address bar of the browser, the server responds to the request, transmits a page in HTML format, images, scripts, etc. The browser sends the request directly to the server, and the server sends the data. All well and good, but HTTP doesn't protect the data during transmission. All requests and responses between the server and the client are transmitted in clear text. This makes it easier for attackers to intercept information.


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What is HTTPS: how it works

HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure is an advanced version of HTTP. It uses data encryption with SSL/TLS certificates. When the browser establishes a secure connection to the server, it first requests a certificate that confirms the authenticity of the resource. After receiving the certificate, the browser starts exchanging encrypted data. The difference between them is that the second protocol uses encryption to protect the transmitted data, which significantly reduces the risks for users.

How does encryption work?

Encrypt information using cryptographic algorithms. This ensures that even if an attacker intercepts the information, they will not be able to decrypt it without a key. The HTTPS protocol maintains not only confidentiality but also data integrity: information that passes through a secure connection cannot be changed or substituted without the knowledge of both parties (browser and server).

Limitations and disadvantages of HTTP and HTTPS protocols

The HTTP protocol has several obvious limitations. The first and foremost is that data is transmitted in clear text. In addition, HTTP does not guarantee data integrity. This means that the information you send to a website can be replaced without your knowledge. For example, in the case of a feedback form. That's why HTTP is hardly used on modern websites anymore. Especially in online stores, banks, and social networks. HTTPS is much more secure than HTTP. As for the limitations, they are insignificant. To work over HTTPS, a website must have an SSL/TLS certificate. It is issued by a certification center. It requires a separate installation. But it is not very difficult for a webmaster. If the site is not optimized, it will work a little slower because decryption requires additional computation from the server. The limitations of HTTPS cannot be considered too significant.


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