HTTPS stands for "Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure." It is an encrypted version of the HTTP protocol used for transmitting data over the internet. HTTPS establishes a secure connection between a web browser and a web server by encrypting the data during transmission.
The encryption in HTTPS is provided by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security). These protocols enable the encryption of data transmitted between the user's browser and the server, meaning that sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details are protected from potential attackers.
Some key features of HTTPS include:
-
Privacy: By encrypting the transmitted data, HTTPS offers high privacy, ensuring that confidential information is protected from prying eyes.
-
Authentication: HTTPS ensures that the user is connected to the actual server and not a fake one. This is facilitated by digital certificates issued by trusted certification authorities.
-
Integrity: HTTPS ensures the integrity of the transmitted data, ensuring that it has not been manipulated during transmission.
HTTPS is used in a variety of applications, especially in e-commerce websites, online banking, social networks, and other services where privacy and security are paramount. It has largely replaced traditional HTTP in many areas as it provides a more secure way to transmit data over the internet.
