HTTP v/s HTTPS

Introduction

Every time you browse the internet, you leave behind digital footprints—your IP address, browsing activity, and even personal details. If your connection isn’t secure, hackers can steal this data without you even realizing it. That’s why choosing between HTTP and HTTPS isn’t just a technical decision—it’s about protecting your privacy and online security.

In this article, we’ll understand the difference between HTTP and HTTPS, why HTTPS is now the safer standard, and why it’s essential for both individuals and businesses.

HTTP

What Is It?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the fundamental communication protocol of the World Wide Web. It defines how information is requested and transmitted between a web browser (client) and a web server.

HTTP operates on a client-server model, where the browser (client) initiates a request, and the server processes it and sends back a response. Since HTTP is stateless, each request is processed independently, meaning the server doesn’t retain past interactions.

In the OSI model, HTTP functions as a Layer 7 (Application Layer) protocol. It uses port 80 for standard communication.

What Is HTTP Request?

An HTTP request is a message sent by a client (usually a web browser) to a server, asking for specific resources, such as web pages, images, or data from an API. This request defines what the client wants from the server and how the server should respond.

Parts of an HTTP Request:

1. Request Line:

   • Method: Defines the action the client wants to perform (e.g., GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).

   • URL: Specifies the resource being requested (e.g., /about in www.example.com/about).

   • HTTP Version: Indicates the version of HTTP being used (e.g., HTTP/1.1).

2. Headers:

   • Key-value pairs that provide extra details about the request. Common headers include:

   • Host: Specifies the domain name of the server (e.g., www.example.com).

   • Content-Type: Indicates the format of the request body (e.g., application/json).

   • Content-Length: Specifies the size of the request body in bytes.

3. Body (Optional):

   • Contains the actual data sent with the request, usually in POST and PUT requests (e.g., form data, JSON payload).

Example of an HTTP Request:

curl -v http://example.com
GET / HTTP/1.1
Host: example.com
User-Agent: curl/8.6.0
Accept: */*

In this example:

• The client sends a GET request to retrieve the homepage (/).

• The Host header specifies example.com as the target server.

• The User-Agent header identifies the client making the request.

• The Accept header indicates that the client can handle any response format (*/*).

What Is HTTP Response?

An HTTP response is a message sent by a server back to a client (like a web browser) after receiving an HTTP request. It contains essential information that tells the client whether the request was successful, failed, or needs further action.

Parts of an HTTP Response:

1. Status Line:

   • HTTP Version: Indicates the version of HTTP used (e.g., HTTP/1.1).

   • Status Code: A three-digit code representing the outcome of the request. Some common status codes include:

     • 200 OK – The request was successful.

     • 404 Not Found – The requested resource doesn’t exist.

     • 500 Internal Server Error – The server encountered an issue.

   • Status Message: A human-readable explanation of the status code (optional in HTTP/1.1).

2. Headers:

   • Additional details about the response, similar to HTTP request headers.

   • Common headers include:

     • Content-Type: Specifies the type of content returned (e.g., text/html or application/json).

     • Content-Length: Indicates the size of the response body.

3. Body (Optional):

   • Contains the actual response content, such as an HTML webpage, a JSON object, an image, or an error message. Some responses, like redirects (302 Found), may not include a body.

Example of an HTTP Response:

HTTP/2 302
content-type: text/html; charset=UTF-8
location: /p/about-hussein.html
date: Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:15:39 GMT
expires: Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:15:39 GMT
cache-control: private, max-age=0
server: GSE

<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>Moved Temporarily</TITLE>
</HEAD>
</HTML>

In this response:

• The status code 302 indicates a temporary redirect.

• The headers specify the content type (text/html), server details, and cache settings.

• The body contains an HTML message telling the client that the resource has moved.

How Does It Work?

HTTP follows a simple request-response model that allows clients (like web browsers) and servers to communicate over the internet.

1. Client Sends a Request:

   • A web browser, mobile app, or other client sends an HTTP request to a web server, asking for a specific resource (e.g., a webpage, an image, or data from an API).

   • The request includes headers, which provide additional details such as the user-agent (browser type) and the host (website domain).

   • Common request methods include GET (retrieve data), POST (send data), PUT (update data), and DELETE (remove data).

2. Server Processes the Request:

   • The web server receives the request and decides how to handle it.

   • If the requested resource exists and the request is valid, the server prepares a response.

3. Server Sends a Response:

   • The server responds with an HTTP status code (e.g., 200 OK for success, 404 Not Found for missing resources).

   • Headers provide metadata about the response, such as content type and length.

   • If applicable, the body contains the actual content (e.g., HTML, JSON, images, or videos).

Security Concern in HTTP

One major issue with HTTP is that data is sent in plain text, making it unencrypted and vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers or malicious third parties can intercept HTTP traffic and steal sensitive details like login credentials, payment information, or browsing activity.

This is why HTTPS (HTTP Secure) is now widely used—it encrypts communication, ensuring that data remains private and protected from attackers.

Advantages

1. Lower CPU and Memory Usage – Since HTTP does not require multiple connections, it reduces the load on system resources.

2. Supports Request Pipelining – Multiple HTTP requests can be sent at once, improving efficiency.

3. Reduces Network Congestion – Fewer TCP connections mean less strain on the network.

4. Lower Latency for Subsequent Requests – Unlike HTTPS, HTTP does not require a handshake process for every request, leading to faster response times.

5. Error Reporting Without Termination – The connection remains active even if an issue occurs, allowing for smoother communication.

Disadvantages

1. Limited to Point-to-Point Connections – HTTP only works between a single client and server, making it less suitable for modern distributed systems.

2. Not Mobile-Friendly – It does not optimize well for mobile networks, leading to slower performance.

3. Lack of Push Capability – HTTP cannot proactively send data to the client unless requested.

4. High Overhead in Data Transmission – HTTP messages contain a lot of text-based metadata, making them larger than necessary.

5. No Built-in Reliability – HTTP does not have a built-in retry mechanism to handle lost or failed requests.

6. Persistent Connection Issue – Even after a client has received all the required data, the connection may remain open, unnecessarily keeping the server engaged.

HTTPS

What Is It?

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP, designed to protect data transferred between a user’s browser and a website. It ensures that all communication is encrypted using Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), making it difficult for hackers to intercept or manipulate data.

The main purpose of HTTPS is to provide confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. This means that the information sent between a user and a website remains private, cannot be tampered with, and comes from a verified source.

Websites that require users to enter sensitive information, such as passwords, banking details, or personal data, must use HTTPS to protect users from cyber threats like man-in-the-middle attacks and data breaches.

How Does It Work?

HTTPS works similarly to HTTP but with one major difference—it encrypts the data before it is transmitted, ensuring secure communication between the client (browser) and the web server.

1. Client Sends a Request

   • A browser or application sends an HTTP request (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to the server, just like in a regular HTTP interaction.

   • The request contains headers with details about the client (user-agent, requested resource, etc.).

2. TLS/SSL Handshake Begins

   • Before processing the request, the server and client initiate a handshake to establish a secure connection.

3. Server Verifies Identity with an SSL/TLS Certificate

   • The server presents its SSL/TLS certificate, which includes a public key that verifies its authenticity.

   • The client (browser) checks if the certificate is valid and issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).

4. Encryption Keys Are Exchanged

   • Both the client and server agree on a secure encryption algorithm.

   • A session key is created, allowing them to encrypt and decrypt data securely.

5. Server Processes the Request & Sends an Encrypted Response

   • Once the connection is secure, the server processes the request and sends an HTTP response.

   • This response contains encrypted data, protecting it from hackers and unauthorized third parties.

With HTTPS, even if a hacker intercepts the data, they won’t be able to read it because it’s encrypted. This makes HTTPS important for secure logins, online transactions, and protecting sensitive user information.

How Does TLS/SSL Encrypt HTTP Requests & Responses?

TLS (Transport Layer Security) and its predecessor SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) use public key cryptography to encrypt HTTP requests and responses, ensuring that data remains private and secure.

How It Works?

1. Public & Private Key Pair

   • Each HTTPS-enabled server has a public key and a private key.

   • The public key is shared with clients through an SSL/TLS certificate, while the private key remains confidential on the server.

2. Establishing Secure Communication (TLS Handshake)

   • When a client (browser) connects to a secure website, it retrieves the public key from the server’s SSL/TLS certificate.

   • The client and server use the public and private keys to generate new session keys that will be used for further encryption.

3. Session Key Encryption

   • Instead of using the public/private key pair for every request, session keys are created.

   • These session keys are symmetric keys, meaning both the client and server use the same key for encryption and decryption.

   • This allows for faster and more efficient encryption of all HTTP requests and responses.

4. Encrypting HTTP Requests & Responses

   • After the handshake, all HTTP data exchanged (requests and responses) is encrypted with the session key.

   • If a hacker intercepts this communication, they will only see random strings of characters rather than readable text.

Why Is This Important?

Without TLS/SSL encryption, hackers can easily read sensitive data like passwords, credit card details, and personal messages. By encrypting HTTP requests and responses, HTTPS protects users from cyber threats like eavesdropping, data tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

SSL/TLS Handshake

The SSL/TLS handshake is a process that establishes a secure connection between a client (browser) and a server before any data is exchanged. It ensures confidentiality, integrity, and authentication in online communication.

How the SSL/TLS Handshake Works:

1. Client Initiates Connection (“ClientHello”)

   • The client (browser) sends a “ClientHello” message to the server.

   • This message includes the supported encryption algorithms and other parameters.

2. Server Responds (“ServerHello”)

   • The server replies with a “ServerHello” message.

   • It selects an encryption algorithm and sends its SSL/TLS certificate, which contains its public key.

3. Client Verifies Certificate

   • The client checks if the SSL/TLS certificate is valid and issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).

4. Key Exchange & Encryption Setup

   • A symmetric session key is generated to encrypt communication.

   • This key is securely exchanged using asymmetric encryption (public & private keys).

5. Handshake Completion (“Finished” Message)

   • Both client and server send a “Finished” message, confirming the handshake is successful.

   • From this point, all communication is encrypted using the agreed session key.

Why Is the SSL/TLS Handshake Important?

• Prevents cyber threats like man-in-the-middle attacks.

• Encrypts data to keep sensitive information safe.

• Authenticates the server, ensuring users connect to the right website.

How Does HTTPS Help Authenticate Web Servers?

Authentication makes sure that a website is legitimate and not an imposter created by attackers. Unlike HTTP, which operates purely on trust, HTTPS verifies a web server’s identity using SSL/TLS certificates and cryptographic mechanisms.

How HTTPS Verifies a Server’s Identity:

1. SSL/TLS Certificate & Public-Private Key Pair

   • Every HTTPS-enabled website has an SSL/TLS certificate issued by a Certificate Authority (CA).

   • This certificate contains a public key, while the server holds a matching private key.

   • When a browser connects to a website, it requests the SSL certificate and verifies its authenticity.

2. The Role of the Private Key

   • The private key is never shared and is known only by the legitimate web server.

   • If a server can decrypt a message encrypted with the public key, it proves it owns the private key—confirming its identity.

3. Certificate Authority (CA) Validation

   • The SSL certificate is digitally signed by a trusted CA.

   • Browsers verify the CA signature to ensure the certificate was issued to the correct website.

What Attacks Does HTTPS Prevent?

• On-Path Attacks (Man-in-the-Middle Attacks) – Prevents hackers from intercepting and modifying data.

• DNS Hijacking – Ensures users connect to the real website instead of a fraudulent one.

• BGP Hijacking – Blocks attackers from rerouting traffic to malicious servers.

• Domain Spoofing – Verifies that the website is the legitimate owner of the domain.

Why is HTTPS Authentication Important?

By proving that a server is who it claims to be, HTTPS helps protect users from phishing sites, identity theft, and financial fraud. This is why browsers flag HTTP websites as “Not Secure”, urging users to avoid them.

Advantages

1. Protects Data During Transmission – Encrypts data, keeping it safe from hackers.

2. Prevents Cyber Attacks – Shields your website from data breaches, phishing, and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.

3. Builds Trust – Visitors feel more secure knowing their information is protected.

4. Removes “Not Secure” Warnings – Browsers show a padlock icon, signaling a safe connection.

5. Boosts SEO Rankings – Google and other search engines rank HTTPS websites higher than HTTP ones.

Disadvantages

1. Requires an SSL Certificate – Website owners need to buy and renew an SSL certificate, which may cost money.

2. More Processing Power Needed – Encrypting and decrypting data takes extra computing resources, slightly affecting speed.

3. Caching Issues – Some public caching (storing data temporarily for faster access) doesn’t work the same way with HTTPS.

4. Blocked by Some Firewalls & Proxies – Certain networks (schools, workplaces) may restrict access to HTTPS websites.

5. Configuration Problems – If not set up correctly, a website might still load some files over HTTP, causing security risks.

Evolution of Web Protocols

The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) has evolved over the years to improve speed, efficiency, and security. Each new version of HTTP introduces better ways to transfer data, reduce delays, and enhance the user experience.

1. HTTP/0.9 (1991) – The First Version

   • This was the earliest version of HTTP, designed only for retrieving HTML pages.

   • It supported only one request type (GET) and did not include headers.

   • There was no support for images, scripts, or stylesheets—only simple text-based web pages could be loaded.

2. HTTP/1.0 (1996) – More Features, But Still Limited

   • This version introduced headers, which allowed additional information to be included in requests and responses.

   • It supported multiple request methods, including POST and HEAD, making it possible to send and retrieve different types of data.

   • However, it still had a major limitation—each request required a new connection, which made loading web pages slow.

3. HTTP/1.1 (1997) – Faster & More Efficient

   • Introduced persistent connections, meaning multiple requests could be sent over a single TCP connection instead of opening a new connection for each request.

   • Added chunked transfer encoding, allowing large content to be sent in smaller parts, reducing delays.

   • Introduced request pipelining, which allowed multiple requests to be sent without waiting for each response, improving page load speed.

   • This version remained the standard for nearly two decades.

4. HTTP/2 (2015) – Speed & Performance Boost

   • Switched from text-based format to a binary format, making data transfer faster and more efficient.

   • Introduced multiplexing, allowing multiple requests and responses to be sent at the same time over a single connection.

   • Enabled server push, allowing servers to send resources to the client before they are requested, improving load times.

   • Compressed headers to reduce data overhead and improve efficiency.

   • HTTP/2 is commonly used with SSL/TLS encryption, making it more secure.

5. HTTP/3 (2019) – The Future of Web Communication

   • Replaces TCP with QUIC, a faster protocol that reduces connection delays.

   • Eliminates head-of-line blocking, meaning if one request is delayed, others can still be processed.

   • Provides built-in encryption by default, making it more secure than previous versions.

   • Improves real-time data streaming, gaming, and mobile browsing performance.

HTTPS: The Secure Standard for the Web

• HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP that encrypts data using SSL/TLS to protect users from cyberattacks.

• Today, most websites use HTTP/2 with HTTPS to ensure both security and speed.

• As HTTP/3 adoption grows, it will become the standard for faster, more secure, and reliable web communication.

Differences Between HTTP & HTTPS

SSL & TLS Certificates

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate is a digital security credential that provides encryption and authentication for websites. It ensures that any data exchanged between a user’s browser and a web server remains private and secure, preventing unauthorized access or interception.

To enable HTTPS, a website must have a valid SSL certificate. This certificate uses two cryptographic keys: a public key to encrypt data and a private key to decrypt it.

SSL certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs), trusted organizations that verify a website’s identity before granting a certificate. When you visit a secure website, your browser checks for a valid SSL certificate. A padlock icon in the address bar indicates a secure connection, while an invalid or missing certificate triggers a security warning.

What is a TLS Certificate?

A TLS (Transport Layer Security) Certificate is the successor to SSL certificates that provides better security for websites. It encrypts and protects data sent between a user’s browser and a web server, keeping it safe from hackers.

TLS is the newer and stronger version of SSL, which is no longer used. It uses better encryption methods to prevent eavesdropping, data tampering, and cyberattacks. Even though people still say “SSL,” most websites today actually use TLS for security.

Websites with HTTPS use TLS certificates to keep user data safe, private, and secure while browsing or making online transactions.

What are the different types of SSL/TLS certificates?

There are three main types of SSL/TLS certificates:

1. Domain Validated (DV) Certificates

   • The basic type of SSL/TLS certificate.

   • Easiest and fastest to obtain, as it only requires domain ownership verification.

   • Best for personal websites, blogs, or small projects that don’t handle sensitive data.

2. Organization Validated (OV) Certificates

   • Provides more security than DV certificates.

   • Requires the Certificate Authority (CA) to verify the organization’s identity before issuing the certificate.

   • Suitable for business websites, e-commerce stores, and organizations that need extra trust and security.

3. Extended Validation (EV) Certificates

   • Offers the highest level of security and assurance.

   • Requires a thorough verification of the business or organization.

   • Used by banks, large corporations, and businesses handling sensitive information to build maximum trust with users.

Why are SSL/TLS Certificates important?

SSL/TLS certificates help keep your information safe when it is sent over the internet. They use encryption to protect your data from hackers and identity thieves.

These certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs). When you visit a website, your browser checks if the SSL/TLS certificate is valid. If it is, you will see a padlock icon in the address bar, showing that the site is secure.

Not all websites need an SSL/TLS certificate, but they are important for websites that handle sensitive information, such as:

• Online shopping sites (to protect payment details)

• Social media sites

• Websites with login pages

If you’re not sure if your website needs an SSL/TLS certificate, ask your web hosting provider or an IT expert. Having one keeps users safe and builds trust.

How To Switch From HTTP To HTTPS?

Switching from HTTP to HTTPS makes your website more secure and trustworthy. To do this, you need an SSL/TLS certificate and some basic setup.

You need to follow these steps:

1. Install an SSL/TLS Certificate

   • Get an SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) (e.g., Let’s Encrypt, GoDaddy, Namecheap).

   • Many web hosting providers offer free SSL certificates and allow one-click installation in their dashboard.

   • If needed, follow your hosting provider’s SSL installation guide for manual setup.

2. Force HTTPS on Your Server

   • After installing the SSL certificate, redirect all HTTP traffic to HTTPS so users always access the secure version of your site.

   • For Apache servers (using .htaccess), add this code:

       RewriteEngine On  
       RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on  
       RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1 [R=301,L]
     

   • If using NGINX, modify the server settings to enforce HTTPS.

   • Some hosting providers (like SiteGround, Bluehost) offer an easy HTTPS switch in their settings.

3. Set Up HTTPS in Your Website Platform

   • Some platforms, like WordPress, Joomla, or Shopify, need additional setup to work correctly with HTTPS.

   • Common issue: “Mixed Content Errors” – This happens when some images, scripts, or stylesheets still load over HTTP instead of HTTPS.

   • How to Fix Mixed Content Issues:

     • Use a plugin (like Really Simple SSL for WordPress) to update all links to HTTPS.

     • Manually update internal links in your database using a Search & Replace tool.

4. Update All Links and Resources

   • Make sure that all images, scripts, and third-party services use HTTPS versions instead of HTTP.

   • Update your CDN (Content Delivery Network) settings to load content securely.

5. Test and Verify HTTPS is Working

   • Visit your website using https://yourwebsite.com and check for the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.

   • Use SSL Checker tools like SSL Labs to verify your SSL certificate is working correctly.

   • Check for mixed content errors using browser Developer Tools (Press F12 > Console).

6. Update Search Engines & External Links

   • Go to Google Search Console and update your website URL to HTTPS.

   • Update your Google Analytics settings with the new HTTPS version of your site.

   • Submit a new sitemap with HTTPS URLs to search engines.

   • Ask external websites linking to you to update their links to https://yourwebsite.com.

Is HTTPS Setup More Expensive than HTTP?

In the past, HTTPS cost money because SSL/TLS certificates had to be bought and renewed every year. But now, many providers offer free SSL certificates, making HTTPS affordable for everyone.

Where Can You Get Free SSL Certificates?

• Let’s Encrypt – A free SSL provider used by many websites.

• Cloudflare – Offers free SSL with its services.

• AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) – Provides free SSL for websites hosted on AWS.

• Web Hosting Companies – Many hosting providers (like SiteGround, Bluehost, and Namecheap) include free SSL in their plans.

In conclusion, HTTPS is no longer expensive—you can get an SSL certificate for free, and many services make it easy to set up and manage.

How Do I Know If My Website Uses HTTP or HTTPS?

You can easily check which protocol your website is using by looking at the address bar in your browser.

• If the URL starts with http:// → The website is using HTTP (not secure).

• If the URL starts with https:// → The website is using HTTPS (secure and encrypted).

Tip: Some browsers, like Google Chrome, hide the http:// or https:// part in the address bar. To see the full URL, click twice on it and the full address will be visible.

Why Choose HTTPS Over HTTP?

Did you know? Over 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, and websites without HTTPS are prime targets for hackers. If a website still runs on HTTP, it’s like leaving your front door unlocked—making it easy for cybercriminals to steal sensitive data.

1. Secure Data Transmission

   • HTTPS encrypts data exchanged between a website and its visitors.

   • Only the server and client can read the data; hackers cannot intercept it.

   • Makes online transactions, logins, and personal data processing safer.

2. Better SEO Ranking

   • Search engines like Google rank HTTPS sites higher than HTTP sites.

   • Websites without HTTPS are often pushed back in search results.

   • HTTPS helps improve visibility, traffic, and credibility.

3. Builds Trust with Visitors

   • Online scams and frauds are increasing, making users more cautious.

   • Web browsers display a padlock icon on HTTPS websites, showing they are secure.

   • Without HTTPS, visitors see a “Not Secure” warning, which can scare them away.

4. Required for Online Payments

   • HTTPS is mandatory for e-commerce websites and online transactions.

   • Payment processors will reject websites that don’t use HTTPS.

   • Without HTTPS, submitting payment details is risky and can lead to data theft.

5. Stronger Security & Protection

   • HTTP sends plain text data, making it easy to hack.

   • HTTPS encrypts all messages, protecting personal details like credit cards, passwords, and addresses.

   • Prevents cyber threats like man-in-the-middle attacks and data breaches.

6. Increases Website Authority & Reputation

   • Search engines prefer HTTPS sites because they are more trustworthy.

   • Users trust HTTPS websites more, leading to better engagement.

   • A padlock icon in the browser reassures visitors that the site is safe.

7. Faster Performance & Better Analytics

   • HTTPS websites load faster than HTTP ones.

   • Referral traffic (visitors from ads or social media) is better tracked with HTTPS.

   • Websites using HTTPS get more accurate analytics, helping businesses grow.

Conclusion

The web is evolving, and so are cyber threats. If your website is still on HTTP, you’re not just losing trust—you’re also risking data breaches, SEO penalties, and lost customers. The good news? Switching to HTTPS is easier and more affordable than ever! Secure your website today, protect your visitors, and build a future-proof online presence

Secure your website, protect your users, and stay ahead—make the switch to HTTPS today!

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