Difference between HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)

HTTP is a protocol used for transferring hypertext over the web. It’s known for its simplicity and has been widely used for data transfer on the Internet.

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure)

HTTPS is an extension of HTTP designed to address the security issues present in the original protocol. It is used for secure communication over the web. In HTTPS, the communication protocol is encrypted using Transport Layer Security (TLS).

Differences between HTTP and HTTPS

1. Acronym:
   • HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol.
   • HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure.
2. URL Prefix:
   • In HTTP, a URL begins with “http://”.
   • In HTTPS, a URL starts with “https://”.
3. Port Number:
   • HTTP uses port number 80 for communication.
   • HTTPS uses port number 443 for communication.
4. Security:
   • HTTP is considered to be unsecure.
   • HTTPS is considered as secure.
5. Layer:
   • HTTP works at the Application Layer of the OSI model.
   • HTTPS works at the Transport Layer of the OSI model.
6. Encryption:
   • In HTTP, encryption is absent.
   • In HTTPS, encryption is present, ensuring data confidentiality.
7. Certificates:
   • HTTP does not require any certificates.
   • HTTPS requires SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) certificates.
8. Search Ranking:
   • HTTP does not improve search ranking.
   • HTTPS helps improve search ranking, as search engines prefer secure websites.
9. Speed:
   • HTTP is generally faster than HTTPS due to the encryption overhead in HTTPS.
10. Data Hashing:
    • HTTP does not use data hashing to secure data.
    • HTTPS uses data hashing to secure data during transmission.
11. Data Transfer:
    • In HTTP, data is transferred in plaintext.
    • In HTTPS, data is transferred in ciphertext, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
12. Recommendation:
    • HTTP should be avoided for sensitive transactions.
    • HTTPS should be preferred for secure data exchange.
13. Search Engine Favorability:
    • Search engines do not favor insecure websites using HTTP.
    • HTTPS improves the reputation of a website in search engine rankings.
14. Implementation:
    • HTTP does not require SSL/TLS implementation or certificates.
    • HTTPS requires SSL/TLS implementation with the use of certificates.
15. User Confidence:
    • In HTTP, users may be concerned about the security of their data.
    • In HTTPS, users have confidence in the security of their data due to encryption.

In summary, HTTP is a standard protocol for transferring data over the web but lacks security measures, making it unsuitable for sensitive information. HTTPS, on the other hand, provides encryption and data security, making it the preferred choice for secure web communication.