HTTPS

What is HTTPS?

HTTP Secure (HTTPS) is a protocol for secure web browsing. It is an extension of the HTTP protocol that makes the transmission of data on the World Wide Web secure. Unlike HTTP, which transmits data unencrypted, HTTPS transmits data encrypted. This prevents third parties from manipulating the transmission. An important component of HTTPS is the certificate, which is issued by a certification authority and confirms the identity of the website.

How does HTTPS work?

HTTPS works by using SSL/TLS encryption to secure the transfer of data between the client (for example, a web browser) and the server. The following steps are performed in the background during an HTTPS connection, of which the user himself is not aware:

1. Handshake:
   Before the actual transmission can take place, the client and server must agree on a common encryption method. This takes place during the so-called handshake.
   
2. Certificate check:
   The client then checks whether the server’s certificate was issued by a trusted certificate authority. In this way, it can be ensured that one is actually communicating with the expected server.
   
3. Key exchange: Symmetric keys
   are then exchanged
   between the client and server, which are used to encrypt the data.
   
4. Data transmission:
    The actual transmission of the data is now encrypted. The client encrypts the data with the received key and sends it to the server. The server can decrypt the data only with its own, previously exchanged key.
   
5. Verification:
   To ensure that the data is not tampered with, both client and server
   calculate a checksum of the transmitted data and compare it.

Using HTTPS ensures both the integrity and confidentiality of the data being transmitted.

What is SSL/TLS encryption?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols for the secure transmission of data on the Internet. They are mainly used for encrypting websites and e-mail connections. During the use of an SSL/TLS connection, the client and server use common symmetric keys. During a connection without these protocols, asymmetric keys are used.
A connection with SSL/TLS protocols provides the user with a secure transmission of data on the Internet by protecting the data through the protocol.

What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) are protocols for data transport on the World Wide Web. The biggest difference is already apparent from the written names and concerns security.

HTTP is a standard protocol for transferring website content. It is unsecured and can be easily viewed by third parties when transmitted over public networks, such as the Internet.
HTTPS, on the other hand, uses SSL/TLS encryption to secure the transmission of data between the client and the server. This guarantees that data such as login information or credit card details are protected during transmission and cannot be viewed by third parties.

Here is an overview of the differences for you:

In summary, HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that protects the transmission of sensitive data. So, if you run a website that requests sensitive data such as payment information, it is advisable to use HTTPS to ensure data security for your users.

Using an SSL/TLS certificate in your online store increases your trustworthiness and can help
you achieve a higher conversion rate.

What are certificate authorities for HTTPS?

Certificate authorities for HTTPS, are companies that issue digital certificates confirming that a certain website or domain is genuine and secure. A digital certificate receives information about the owner of the website, as well as the public key used for SSL/TLS encryption.
When a website uses HTTPS, the web browser verifies the certificate before the connection is established. During this process, the browser checks whether the certificate was issued by a trusted authority and whether it is still valid. If all factors are in order, the connection to the website is established in encrypted form.
Certificate authorities are responsible for monitoring and managing SSL/TLS certificates and thus for the integrity and security of HTTPS connections. There are various certificate authorities, but probably the best known are:

• Symantec
• GlobalSign
• Comodo
• DigiCert
• Let’s Encrypt