What is HTTPS?
HTTPS is an encryption protocol used to securely send and receive data over the internet.
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is an encryption protocol used for communication on the internet. It is an extension of the normal HTTP protocol that allows users to exchange data with websites. It adds an extra layer of security to the information sent and received over the internet.
HTTPS was developed to improve the security of data between a web server and a web browser (data exchange between a website and website user). It uses an encryption algorithm to encode the information before it is sent over the internet. This way, a malicious hacker cannot intercept, view, or alter the data. There are other forms of encryption in the digital age. For instance, we also have SHA256 and PGP.
How Does HTTP(S) Work?
To understand how HTTPS works, we first need to understand how HTTP works. HyperText Transfer Protocol is the protocol used to send and receive webpages. When a user visits a website, the browser sends a request to the web server. The web server then sends the webpage back to the browser. All these requests and responses are sent unencrypted.
What makes HTTPS more secure
HTTPS adds an extra layer of security to the sending and receiving of data through an encryption algorithm. When a user visits a website, the browser sends a request to the web server. The web server then sends an encryption key, a unique code, to the browser. The browser uses this key to encode the information before it is sent to the web server. The web server uses the key to decode the information and then sends the webpage back to the browser.
Why Is HTTPS Important?
HTTPS is important because it protects users against cyberattacks. Because the data sent and received over the internet is encrypted, a malicious hacker cannot read or alter the data. This means the information sent online is secure.
HTTPS is also becoming increasingly important for website owners. Google gives websites that use HTTPS a ranking advantage over websites that only use HTTP. That's why it's important for website owners to implement this on their websites in order to achieve a higher position in Google's search results.
Green padlock
When a website uses https, a green padlock often appears in the URL bar. This means the data you share with the website is encrypted. Obtaining https and a green padlock is not very complicated. This means that malicious websites can also activate https and thus obtain a green padlock. What we want to say with this is that https is not a reason to trust a website. In our blog on how to recognize a phishing page we give handy tips! Looking for more tips and knowledge to optimally arm yourself and your company against cyberattacks? Then schedule a Cyber Security Awareness training today.