What's the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS?

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Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS | Beginner's Guide | Wikicert

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Learn the difference between HTTP and HTTPS, why HTTPS is more secure, and how SSL certificates protect websites and visitor data.

What's the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS?

If you've ever noticed that some websites begin with http:// while others use https://, you might wonder what the difference is.

Although they look almost identical, HTTPS adds an important layer of security that protects your information while browsing the internet.

Today, HTTPS has become the standard for nearly every professional website.

The Simple Difference

The easiest way to remember it is:

HTTP = No encryption

HTTPS = Encrypted connection

The extra S stands for Secure.

HTTPS uses an SSL/TLS certificate to encrypt all communication between your browser and the website.

HTTP

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) sends information as plain text.

This means that if someone intercepts the connection, they may be able to read the transmitted information.

HTTP does not verify the identity of the website.

HTTPS

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts all information exchanged between the visitor and the website.

HTTPS also verifies that visitors are communicating with the legitimate website through a trusted SSL certificate.