Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS

What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

We need to understand the difference between HTTP and HTTPS before we compare which one to use.

What is HTTP?

HTTP is short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. HTTP is a network protocol that allows communication between servers and web browsers by exchanging data.

Do you know what protocol represents?

When we enter HTTP:// in the address bar, it explains our browser to connect over HTTP.

HTTP is also a known protocol because its commands are executed separately. HTTP can be implemented with the other protocols as well. This HTTP protocol allows communication between you and the other website. It also enables the fetching of resources such as HTML documents.

When a browser sends an HTTP request to the web, it is received at the web server. An application is run to process the request, and the server returns the output response to the browser. This response is received by the browser which the client uses.

HTTP can be used over the firewalls as well.

Nowadays, cyber-attacks are growing. That is why each website starts from HTTP://converts into HTTPS://. This is due to security purposes because HTTP sites are not secure.

HTTPS

The hypertext transfer protocol is secure and short for HTTPS. As the name suggests, it is the advanced & secure version of the Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). It is used to transfer data between a website and the web browser. It provides TLS/SSL certificates to secure or encrypt the communication between the client and server.

Organization Validation, Extended Validation, and Domain Validation are the SSL/TLS certificates used with HTTPS.

HTTPS is encoded to increase the security of data transfer. It changes the order of data before transmission and after the reception so that the information and data remain secure.

For example:

https://www.pioneer.com/landing

https://app.grammarly.com/

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HTTP & HTTPS PROTOCOL

Some people might think that HTTP and HTTPS are both secure. That’s not true. 

Also, HTTP and HTTPS protocols are not the opposite of each other. However, there are differences between these protocols. Which makes HTTPS a more secure protocol than HTTP. Here is why

• HTTP VS HTTPS:

 HTTP is not a secure protocol, whereas HTTPS is a secure protocol. To ensure security or authentication, HTTPS uses a TLS/SSL certificate.

• OSI LAYER:

The OSI model has seven total layers. Each layer has a different purpose and function. HTTP protocol works on the Application Layer, whereas HTTPS works on the Transport Layer.

• ENCRYPTION:

In the HTTPS protocol, encryption is used. In URLs with HTTP, encryption is not used. 

• ATTACKS:

HTTPS is a security protocol that works against different attacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks and others. On the other side, HTTP is vulnerable to hackers.

• SPEED

HTTP sites are faster than HTTPS sites in terms of speed.

• SSL Certificates

HTTPS sites require an SSL certificate, whereas HTTP doesn’t need this.

• URL

The URL of HTTP starts from http://, whereas the HTTPS URL starts with https://.

• VALIDATION

HTTPS requires domain validation & certificates, whereas HTTP does not require domain validation.

• SEARCH ENGINE RANKING:

HTTPS helps to increase the search engine ranking, while HTTP doesn’t improve search rankings.

• PLAIN VS CIPHER TEXT:

HTTPS transfers data in ciphertext, while HTTP transfers data in plain text.

• UTILIZATION OF PORTS:

These HTTP and HTTPS port numbers are different. HTTPS uses 443 ports to send data, whereas HTTP uses port 80 to transmit data.

WHEN TO USE HTTP AND HTTPS?

Suppose you must store private or confidential information such as credit card numbers. This can be for your eCommerce site where online payment methods are used. In this case, HTTPS would be the best fit as it is more suitable for banking websites & login pages because of the security. But if you only need your website to show your creativity, discussion, and work such as blogs, poetry, photography, and many other things. Then, HTTP would be a good choice for this case.

You might also have seen that sites that start from HTTP show an unsecured term in the URL. URLs with HTTPS are used to make your website faster. HTTPS is considered to be the minimum security for the website.

Whether to choose HTTP:// or HTTPS://it all depends on your choice and preference. If you want to create a more secure website, HTTPS:// would be the best option. Otherwise, HTTP:// is suitable for websites that don’t require any customer data or other information.

WHY DO PEOPLE USE HTTPS?

• Customers feel relieved when they see the green padlock at the URL's beginning, providing them peace of mind. This factor also helps in increasing the loyalty of the customers to your eCommerce site. If the site is not secure, no one will
• HTTPS enhances the site's security and increases the site's speed. This attracts more people or customers.

WHY DO PEOPLE USE HTTP?

• HTTP provides the cost benefits. For HTTP, you don’t have to buy anything. Because whenever you are on the internet, you can use HTTP. But for HTTPS, you have to buy an SSL certificate.
• HTTPS consumes more money and adds complexity than HTTP.
• Some people are unaware of the difference between HTTP and HTTPS protocol and keep using HTTP for their sites. 
• Tons of brands offer SSL certificates for their websites. So, sometimes, people become confused about what to choose and how to choose.

CONCLUSION:

HTTP and HTTPS complete form is Hypertext Transfer Protocol & Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.

The use of HTTP and HTTPS depends on your website. If security is not a matter for your site, then HTTP is okay. But if you have your online store or any site that needs your customers' confidential information. Then, the use of HTTP would be the most significant risk.

It’s not like HTTPS secures your website from every attack. But it is considered the security layer of your website. Both HTTP and HTTPS have some advantages and limitations as well. So, analyze your scenario and website purpose, then pick the right one (HTTP:// or HTTPS://) for your site.