Every web designer always suggest you to redirect all your URLs from HTTP to HTTPS. Have you ever wondered why so?
Basically, if you want a secure website then it is always advised to have all your files in HTTPS links. By the end of this article you would be able to decide why is it so important and what are the major differences between the two.
Now, we hear these acronyms very often but we never paid attention to what really sets the two of them apart. It is clearly important to understand the difference between the two because last year Google announced that all the e site with HTTP would be deemed insecure. Plus switching over to https was meant to provide high google ranking and integrity to your website.
Now, let’s try to understand the basic difference between the two.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
Hypertext transfer protocol is a means of sharing or transfer of information between the host and the client. To achieve this transfer it makes use of transmission control port which sends and receives the data packets between the two nodes.
It was the first interactive protocol developed to mediate the communication between the client and the server. Considering the fact that it is an application protocol which was developed with the sole purpose of allowing communications over world wide web. Hence, it is clear from the statement that is not concerned with that fact how data is transferred until or unless it’s sole purpose is being fulfilled.
Now, it offers you a possibility that your data which is being transferred is not safe. It doesn’t assure you the integrity and authentication of the data transfer. It is exposed to the leaking of sensitive data.
Every web designer always suggest you to redirect all your URLs from HTTP to HTTPS. Have you ever wondered why so?
Basically, if you want a secure website then it is always advised to have all your files in HTTPS links. By the end of this article you would be able to decide why is it so important and what are the major differences between the two.
Let’s see in detail how it actually works:
- The client request the webpage or sends an http request which establishes a tcp connection to the host port no 80(usually, but it may differ according to sever settings) .
- Server receives the HTTP request and search for the webpage and send it back.
- If the request web page is not available it then present the client with 404 error.
Client receive the message and the connection is closed.
Now, everytime a new web page is demanded by the web browser, it requires a new HTTP connection between the host and client.
There are nine different types of HTTP request which are listed below:
- GET: It is requested to get full content including header and the body
- HEAD: This request is concerned it with header portion of the content.
- POST: Now, as the name suggest it is a request for the submission or posting of data.
- PUT: If you want to upload any data on your website then this is the command which is used.
- PATCH: It is used to make any changes in the preexisting data.
- DELETE: if you want to get rid of any data then this request is followed.
- TRACE: it is used to trace any changes made in the data or connection between the client and server.
- CONNECT: Command used to form a connection to any encrypted data or to tcp/ip tunnel.
- OPTION: it basically allows you to need which HTTP is available for a particular website.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (https)
In layman terms this is more advanced and secure version of the preexisting HTTP. It is an extension of HTTP but with an issued SSL certificate which ensures secure transfer of data over devices by encryption the data. Now, both protocols shares the similarity of working under transmission control protocol however HTTPS connects to the client under transport layer security(tls) on port number 443 which assures the user the integrity and authentication of the data.
Now, the method of data transfer is more secure between the two nodes than it was I’m HTTP as it makes use of SSL( Secure Socket Layer).
Let’s see how it works:
Encryption of data to be transferred
- SSL encrypts the data sent from the client using algorithm which ensures it’s safe transfer.
- It forms a packet of data which is sent over to the host but before that it is tagged with an SSL header.
- After, it has been tagged successfully it is sent to the host or server.
Now, at the server ends decryption of the message takes place. So, that it attains a readable form.
To decrypt the algorthm the SSL header which was tagged at the client ends is removed which ensues further decryption process.
Now, this data is sent to the application layer of the receiver from where the host gets integrated confidential message.
Role of HTTPS Protocol
- After the tcp handshake the client request for SSL certificate which proves the authentication and the confidentiality of the website
Now, after the certificate is verified the key is exchanged between the client and server which is involved in the encryption and decryption of the website.
Key differences between the two protocols
- HTTPS is more secure way as it ensures the credibility, authentication and integrity of data.
- HTTP uses port 80 while https uses 443
- HTTPS uses encrypted data while HTTP doesn’t.
- HTTPS uses SSL certificates and digital key to access private data.
- It operated under secure system of TLS while HTTP doesn’t.
- HTTPS ensures high google ranking and search engine optimization.
- HTTPS helps maintain the trust between between client and server. Plus it ensures more number of downloads on your website.
- HTTPS protect sensitive data from hackers and viruses as well.
Conclusion
If I am a user have to access data from any website then I would prefer a website which ensure the security of the data and have a legal SSL certificate which ensures the credibility of the host.
So, the above stated reasons should be enough to tempt to redirect your HTTP data to HTTPS. Now, you are the best judge for yourselves. So now you know what’s best for your website.
