HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) are both protocols used for data transfer over the web. However, they differ mainly in terms of security.
- Security: HTTP sends requests and responses as plain-text messages, making them vulnerable to interception by unauthorized parties. On the other hand, HTTPS includes authentication and a layer of encryption that keeps sensitive information secure during transfer from browser to server.
- URL Scheme: In HTTP, URLs begin with “http://”, while in HTTPS, URLs start with “https://” .
- Port Numbers: HTTP uses port number 80 for communication, while HTTPS uses port number 443.
- Certificate Requirement: HTTP does not require any certificates, while HTTPS needs SSL Certificates.
- Data Transmission: In HTTP, data is transferred in plaintext, while in HTTPS, data transfer occurs in ciphertext.
- User Trust: HTTP should be avoided due to concerns about data security. In contrast, HTTPS is preferred because it enhances user confidence in the security of their data .
- SEO Ranking: HTTP does not improve search ranking, while HTTPS helps to improve search ranking.
- Performance: HTTP is faster than HTTPS due to the overhead of encryption and decryption in HTTPS.
In summary, while HTTP is simpler and faster, HTTPS provides a higher level of security, making it a preferred choice for websites dealing with sensitive information.