Explain the working of HTTPS


The basic protocol used to transmit data between a web browser and a website is HTTP, while HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. To strengthen the security of data transport, HTTPS is encrypted. This is crucial when customers register into a bank account, email account, or health insurance provider and transfer sensitive data.

HTTPS should be used on all websites, especially those that demand login information. Websites that do not employ HTTPS are marked differently than those which employ HTTPS. If you want to know whether a website is secure, look for a padlock in the URL bar. Google Chrome and other browsers mark all non-HTTPS websites as insecure, demonstrating how seriously web browsers take HTTPS.

Working of HTTPS

HTTPS encrypts messages using an encryption protocol. Although it was once known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), the protocol is now known as Transport Layer Security (TLS). This protocol uses an asymmetric public key infrastructure to secure communication. This kind of security mechanism encrypts communications between two parties using two different keys −

  • Private Key − This key is managed by the website owner and kept confidential, as the reader would have speculate. It is stored on a web server and is used to decode data that has been encrypted using the public key.

  • Public Key − Everyone who desires secure communication with the server has access to this key. The private key is the only one that can decrypt data that has been encrypted using the public key.

Importance of HTTPS

HTTPS stops websites from broadcasting information in a way that may be easily seen by anyone snooping on the network. Information sent via normal HTTP is divided into packets of data that can be easily sniffed with the help of free software. This increases the exposure of communication using an insecure channel, such public Wi-Fi. In actuality, all communications through HTTP are done in plain text, which makes them extremely accessible to anyone with the right tools and vulnerable to on-path attacks.

It is possible for Internet service providers (ISPs) or other third party to insert content into webpages on websites without HTTPS without the permission of owner. To increase revenue, an ISP may frequently insert paid advertising into the webpages of its clients. Naturally, the income from the adverts and the responsibility for their editorial oversight are in no way shared with the owner of the website when this happens. The potential of unmoderated third parties to insert advertisements into web content is eliminated by HTTPS.

How HTTPS different from HTTP

In terms of technology, HTTPS is a part of the HTTP protocol. The HTTP protocol is simply being encrypted using TLS/SSL. The operation of HTTPS is based on the transmission of TLS/SSL certificates, which confirm that a certain provider is who they claim to be.

Whenever a user connects to a website, that website sends over its SSL certificate, which contains the public key required to begin the secure connection. After that, the client and server computers engage in a series of interactions known as an SSL/TLS handshake, which is used to create a secure connection.

Is HTTPS completely secure

By encrypting data and authentication, HTTPS successfully protects connections. To ensure that user data is transmitted securely between the browser and server, secured connections use a public-private key pair. A digital certificate is also necessary for HTTPS, which verifies that the domain name matches the owner. Businesses that deal with a lot of client data frequently make more extensive certification claims in an effort to maintain their reputation and dependability. Internet users should still use caution while visiting any website. Attackers can add redirects to malicious pages to invite unexperienced users.

By verifying that URLs match their intended destination, users should be attentive when using the Internet. Think carefully before entering your password or any other personal information. Avoid making a purchase on a payment page that seems unclear. If a website has a current certificate from a reputable authority, users can verify the legitimacy of that website. The certificate's display of the correct domain name should accurately identify the website.

Advantages of the HTTPS

Let’s look into some of the advantages of using the HTTPS −

  • By offering encryption during transmission, HTTPS creates a secure communication link between the communicating systems.

  • Data integrity is ensured by HTTPS by encrypting the data. According to this, even if the data is compromised, hackers won't be able to view or alter the data that is being transferred.

  • By preventing attackers from reading the data being sent passively, HTTPS ensures the users' security and privacy.

Disadvantages of HTTPS

Now, let’s look into some of the disadvantages of HTTPS −

  • The main drawback of HTTPS is that customers have to spend money on an SSL certificate.

  • Every internal link must be updated by users.

Updated on: 19-Jan-2024

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