Thursday, August 28, 2008

Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS:

  • HTTP utilizes tcp/udp (Transmission Control Protocol/User Datagram Protocol) port 80 to transfer packets for unencrypted web surfing. If you visit a website or webpage, and look at the address in the web browser, it will most likely begin with the following: http://. This means that the website is connected to your browser using the regular unsecure language, due to which there is a possiblilty for someone to spy on your computer’s conversation with the website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site.
  • HTTPS The "S" in HTTPS indicates a secure site. It is utilizes tcp/udp port 443 for encrypted web surfing via SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or the more recent TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols. HTTPS provides for reasonably secure bi-directional encrypted communication on the Internet. Https is used in many situations, such as log-in pages for banking, forms, corporate log ons, and other applications in which data needs to be secure. However, if not implemented properly, https is not infallible, and therefore it is extremely important for end users to be wary about accepting questionable certificates and cautious with their personal information while using the Internet.

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