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When we browse the internet, we often see “http” or “https” at the beginning of a URL. Both represent the HyperText Transfer Protocol, but there is a key difference between them: “security.” Today, we will explore the differences between HTTPS and HTTP, as well as their working principles and applications.
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Basic Definitions of HTTP and HTTPS
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HTTP（HyperText Transfer Protocol） is one of the most common protocols we encounter online, and almost all web browsers use the HTTP protocol to request and receive web content. Its operation is as follows: the browser sends a request to the server, and the server returns the corresponding data（such as web pages, images, etc.）. However, the HTTP protocol itself transmits data in plaintext, meaning that any data transmitted over the network can be intercepted by a third party.
HTTPS（HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure） is the “secure version” of HTTP. It is based on the HTTP protocol and combines the SSL/TLS encryption protocol to encrypt the communication content. This means that even if someone intercepts the data over the network, they cannot read its contents. Therefore, HTTPS not only provides data transmission but also offers identity verification and encryption protection.
Working Principles of HTTP and HTTPS
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1. Working Principle of HTTP
The working process of the HTTP protocol is relatively simple. The client（browser） sends a request to the server, and the server returns the requested content. Since the HTTP protocol does not have an encryption mechanism, all data is transmitted in plaintext, which poses security risks. For example, hackers can intercept and tamper with data through man-in-the-middle attacks.
2. Working Principle of HTTPS
The working process of the HTTPS protocol is relatively complex, but its basic steps are as follows:
1. SSL/TLS handshake process: When the client（browser） requests an HTTPS website, a series of encryption and authentication processes occur between the client and the server. First, the browser exchanges certificates with the server to ensure the server’s identity is genuine. Then, data is encrypted and decrypted using public and private keys.
2. Data encryption: Once a secure connection is established, all transmitted data is protected using encryption algorithms. Even if a hacker intercepts this data, they cannot read its contents.
3. Data integrity verification: The HTTPS protocol also verifies whether the data has been tampered with during transmission. If the data is modified during transmission, the communication will be interrupted, thus preventing tampering.
Main Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS
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| Features |
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Security |
| Port |
| Certificate |
| Performance |
| Usage |
Advantages and Necessity of HTTPS
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1. Data Encryption and Privacy Protection
One of the most significant advantages of HTTPS is data encryption. In today’s network, privacy protection is becoming increasingly important, especially when handling personal sensitive information（such as usernames, passwords, payment information, etc.）. HTTPS ensures that even if data is intercepted during transmission, hackers cannot decrypt and access this information through encryption technology.
2. Prevention of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Man-in-the-middle attacks（MITM） are a common type of network attack where an attacker can intercept communication between the user and the server to tamper with or steal data. HTTPS effectively prevents such attacks by using SSL/TLS certificates to verify the server’s identity, ensuring that users are connected to the correct server.
3. Improved Search Engine Ranking
In recent years, search engines like Google have started to consider HTTPS as a ranking factor. Websites using HTTPS are typically prioritized in search results, which positively impacts the SEO optimization of the site.
4. Enhanced User Trust
When accessing HTTPS websites, browsers usually display a small lock icon or indicate “secure” in the address bar. This increases user trust in the website, especially when making payments or submitting personal information. If a website does not use HTTPS, the browser may display a warning that the site is “not secure,” which can create concerns for users and negatively affect the user experience and trust in the website.
In our daily lives, most websites we visit are HTTPS, and using HTTP is rare. We use HTTP for experimental demonstrations, but in real life, HTTPS is predominantly used.
Because the internet contains a lot of our identity information and personal data, using HTTPS encryption can prevent information from being tampered with or stolen by hackers.
How to Enable HTTPS
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1. Obtain an SSL/TLS Certificate: First, you need to purchase and install an SSL/TLS certificate. Many service providers offer certificates, such as Let’s Encrypt, which provides free SSL certificates suitable for personal websites or small businesses.
2. Configure the Web Server: Depending on the web server you are using（such as Apache, Nginx, IIS, etc.）, you need to configure the server to support HTTPS. This usually requires specifying the SSL certificate for the server and enabling the SSL/TLS protocol in the configuration file.
3. Force HTTPS: By using HTTP redirection（301 redirect）, ensure that all HTTP requests are automatically forwarded to HTTPS. This way, no matter how users enter the URL, they will access the website through a secure connection.
I hope this article helps everyone better understand the differences between HTTP and HTTPS, and how HTTPS plays a role in protecting data security and user privacy in the modern network environment.