The difference between HTTP and HTTPS is something that you must know because it greatly affects website security.
Both are indeed the same data exchange protocol. However, the level of security and SEO performance generated by websites with HTTP and HTTPS protocols is different.
Indeed, what is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS? What is HTTPS function? Then, how does HTTPS work so that it is considered more secure?
Come on, see more in this article!
What is the Difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
Hypertext Transfer Protocol or HTTP is a protocol whose job is to send data from a web server to a browser. In other words, HTTP is the one that regulates the process for displaying the website.
However, the main problem with using HTTP is security. Because, data can be peeked by other parties when data exchange occurs.
HTTPS is a more secure version of HTTP; S represent the word Secure. HTTPS already uses an encryption or data scrambling system, making it difficult for other parties to hack.
The use of HTTPS is highly recommended, especially for websites that store customer data such as online stores or membership websites.
When the website has implemented HTTPS, the URL will be prefixed https://such as this Ipadguides website:
Furthermore, the difference between HTTP and HTTPS is in:
1. Port Usage
The first difference between HTTP and HTTPS is the use of ports to send and receive data.
HTTP uses port 80, where data communication still uses plain text, making it vulnerable to hacking.
Meanwhile, HTTPS uses port 443 which is more secure where every communication or data transfer is encrypted, so it is not easy for other parties to read.
2. Use of SSL
HTTP is a protocol that does not yet take advantage of SSL security certificates. Meanwhile, HTTPS already uses SSL/TLS (Transport Layer Secure) for data encryption.
With SSL enabled over HTTPS, when the browser requests data from the web server, the message is scrambled. That way, it can only be read properly by websites that have the specified encryption key.
The existence of SSL on a website is marked by green padlock icon in the URL bar in the browser.
3. Data Security
HTTPS uses three data security procedures, namely server authentication, data encryption, and data integrity. It is not found in the HTTP protocol.
This is the most visible difference between HTTP and HTTPS.
Server authentication can ensure the user is communicating with the correct site. So, HTTPS can avoid attacks man-in-the-middle or intruders when data exchange occurs.
Furthermore, data encryption is carried out to guard against theft and eavesdropping during data transfer.
Finally, data integrity is required for the transfer to take place. This happens because the data sent will be wrapped by the protocol, so it cannot be changed.
HTTPS has higher security. So, how does HTTPS actually work? Let’s go to the next discussion.
Read also: 5 Things You Need to Know About HTTPS
How Does HTTPS Work?
When there is a request for access to a website, the browser will first check whether the website is connected with an SSL/TLS certificate or not. (This is not the case with HTTP connections).
If the website has an SSL certificate, there will be an SSL handshake process related to data encryption and decryption between the server and client.
So, if the SSL certificate is valid, the session key will be generated by the server and client. That means secure data communication can be done. The browser will also display a green padlock indicator in the website URL section.
That way, the browsing process on the website has been validated for security. Do you want your website data to be protected too?
What is HTTPS Function?
There are at least three main functions of HTTPS that you need to know, namely:
1. Improve Website Security
HTTPS uses an encryption system, where data will be scrambled so that it is difficult to hack, avoid data theft, or send incorrect data.
2. Increase Website Credibility
The website will use the URL with the prefix https:// and the browser will show a green padlock icon on the website. This shows that the entire data transfer process on the website gets additional protection.
3. Positive Impact for SEO
Google’s algorithm determines that only websites with recommended SSL protection appear in search results.
That way, if you want your website to be easier to find, using the HTTP protocol is no longer an option.
To be sure, try typing certain keywords in the search results. For example “how to make dalgona coffee”. Are there still websites without HTTPS there? Of course not, huh?
How To Install HTTPS On Your Website?
To create a website using the HTTPS protocol, you first need to activate an SSL certificate. How to?
you can access cPanel and select menu SSL/TLS Status in section Security. Then on the SSL/TLS Status page, click the button Run AutoSSL.
Wait a few moments until the AutoSSL installation process is successful and there is a description Domain Validated.
For the most complete SSL installation, you can check the tutorial we have provided at → How to Install SSL on Hosting | Free and Paid.
Websites Still Using Insecure HTTP? Time to Switch to HTTPS!
Whatever type of website you have, using HTTPS is a must. Luckily switching to the HTTPS protocol is easy, you just have to activate the SSL certificate on the website.
Lucky for you Ipadguides users because you can get free SSL forever for all hosting services!
The free SSL provided by Ipadguides is AutoSSL from Sectigo which has been equipped with an automatic renewal system. So, no need to bother to extend when the certificate status expires.
Even then, it is still coupled with the latest HTTP/3 technology support which will help speed up your website.
Well, if you want additional protection from paid SSL, Ipadguides also provides Comodo SSL only with IDR 115,000 only per year! Pretty affordable, right?
Well, how? Ready to secure your website with HTTPS and SSL protection?
Create by Ipadguides in category of Blog