What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
Category: Education | Author: pratikhole | Published: October 16, 2025
In today\'s world of technology security on the internet has emerged as among the top important aspects of browsing and development on the internet. When you visit websites or making a payment online or filling out a form and submitting a form, the security of your personal information is crucial. This is why the HTTP as well as HTTPS play a significant role. Knowing the differences between the two methods will help you remain safe online and boosts website trustworthiness and SEO ranking.
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What is HTTP?
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of data communications via the World Wide Web. It allows servers and browsers to exchange data, like images, web pages and files. If a user enters an address for a website beginning by \"http ://\", the browser makes a request to the web server, which then responds with the content requested.
But, the HTTP protocol does not secure the information transmitted from the web browser to server. This means that any sensitive data like payment information or passwords can be stolen by hackers or unauthorised users while transmitting.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an advanced and secure variant of HTTP. It provides the security layer via the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption. When you browse a site that uses \"https ://\", all the data that is exchanged between your computer and its server will be secured. This makes it difficult for attackers to access or alter the information.
In simple words, HTTPS ensures that the interaction between the site remains private and secure.
Key Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS
Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
Security | There is no encryption, and data could be accessed | SSL/TLS encryption is used to secure communication |
Port Number | Uses port 80 | Uses port 443 |
Data Protection | At risk of hackers | Secures data from unauthorized access |
SEO Benefits | Not as trusted by search engines. | Preferred by Google It also improves SEO rankings |
Website Authentication | No authenticating certificate | This requires an SSL certificate |
Browser Indicator | It displays \"Not Secure\" in modern browsers | Shows a padlock icon within the address bar |
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Why HTTPS is Important
- Better Security Improved Security of HTML0 HTTPS secures sensitive information about users like passwords for login, financial information as well as personal information.
- Higher SEO Ranking Better SEO Ranking Google offers ranking preference to HTTPS-enabled sites.
- Enhances User Trust Users feel secure when they are able to see the padlock icon increasing participation and more conversions.
- Data Integrity It guarantees that data integrity is not compromised when it is transferred.
Conclusion
Although the two protocols HTTP as well HTTPS can be utilized to transfer data over the internet, HTTPS is the current standard for reliable, secure and SEO-friendly communication. If you\'re a business or an educational institution looking to build trust and secure the information of their users and data, switching the protocol to HTTPS can no longer be an option, it\'s essential.