- The security of HTTPS relies on SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or its more advanced version, TLS (Transport Layer Security), to establish a secure connection.
- As the internet continues to evolve and cyber threats become more sophisticated, HTTPS remains at the forefront of efforts to create a safer, more secure online environment.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol used by web browsers to communicate with websites. The “S” in HTTPS stands for “Secure,” and the primary function of the protocol is to encrypt data sent between a user’s browser and a website’s server. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data, cannot be intercepted by third parties like hackers or malicious entities.
The security of HTTPS relies on SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or its more advanced version, TLS (Transport Layer Security), to establish a secure connection. SSL/TLS encryption converts readable data into an indecipherable format, ensuring that even if someone manages to intercept the data, they cannot make sense of it without the correct decryption key.
Also read: Understanding SSL and encryption
How HTTPS works
The HTTPS process is built on a system of public-key encryption, which uses two keys: a public key and a private key. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how HTTPS ensures a secure connection:
Initiation of a secure connection: When a user accesses a website using HTTPS, the browser sends a request to the website’s server to establish a secure connection.
Server response and certificate exchange: The server responds by sending a copy of its SSL/TLS certificate, which includes the public encryption key and information about the server’s identity. This certificate is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), which acts as a third party that verifies the legitimacy of the website.
Verification by the browser: The user’s browser checks the certificate to ensure that it is valid, has not expired, and was issued by a trusted CA. If the certificate is legitimate, the browser proceeds with the secure connection.
Encryption: The browser and server agree on a session key – a temporary encryption key – which is used to encrypt all data sent between them during that session. This key is shared using the public key but decrypted using the private key, ensuring that only the intended recipient (the server) can access the data.
Secure data transmission: Once the connection is established, all data transmitted between the browser and the server is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping or tampering.
Also read: 3 different types of internet standards
The importance of HTTPS
In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, HTTPS has become essential for protecting the privacy and security of users. Its importance can be understood through several key aspects:
Encryption and privacy: HTTPS ensures that any data shared between the user and the website is encrypted, meaning that even if a cybercriminal intercepts the data, they cannot read it. This is especially critical for websites that handle sensitive information, such as online banking platforms, e-commerce sites, and healthcare providers.
Authentication and trust: When a user connects to a website using HTTPS, the SSL/TLS certificate guarantees that the site is legitimate. This process protects users from falling victim to phishing attacks, where attackers create fake websites that resemble trusted platforms. The presence of a valid certificate reassures users that they are interacting with the genuine website, which is vital for maintaining trust.
Data integrity: HTTPS also ensures that the data sent between the browser and server cannot be modified or corrupted during transmission. Any attempts to alter the data will be detected, preventing hackers from tampering with the content.
The growing importance of HTTPS in modern web browsing
The adoption of HTTPS is no longer optional – it has become the standard for secure web browsing. In fact, search engines like Google now prioritise websites that use HTTPS, giving them a boost in search rankings. This means that HTTPS is not only critical for security but also for SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) purposes. Websites that fail to adopt HTTPS may experience lower traffic, as search engines and browsers increasingly warn users when they try to access non-secure HTTP websites.
Additionally, many modern web browsers now display a clear warning to users if they attempt to enter sensitive information on a site that does not use HTTPS. For example, Google Chrome marks such websites as “Not Secure,” which can deter users from interacting with the site. This trend reflects a broader movement towards a more secure internet, where users are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of protecting their data.
The role of SSL/TLS in HTTPS
At the heart of HTTPS is SSL/TLS encryption, the technology that makes secure communication possible. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) was the original encryption protocol, but it has largely been replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), which offers stronger encryption and improved security features.
When a website implements HTTPS, it must obtain an SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority. This certificate serves as proof of the site’s identity and ensures that all data sent over the connection is encrypted. Without this certificate, the website cannot use HTTPS, and users will be warned that the site is not secure.
