Basically, when viewed from the extension between HTTP and HTTPS, the difference between HTTP and HTTPS only lies in the level of security.
However, when explained in detail and peeled deeper, there are actually many differences between HTTP and HTTPS.
Before you know what are the differences between HTTP and HTTPS, you should first understand what HTTP and HTTPS are.
What is HTTP?
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
In theory, HTTP is a network protocol used in the distribution or communication of information or data between the server and the client.
Server is a computer network component that is used to store large-scale data.
While the client can be interpreted as a user who will access the website through a web browser.
Web site access requests sent by clients via a web browser are called requests and messages sent by the server in response are called responses.
In the process of communication or data exchange, security is definitely needed to avoid the actions of irresponsible people.
So this HTTP protocol requires security.
The secure version of the HTTP protocol is HTTPS.
What is HTTPS?
Quoted from Wikipedia, HTTP Secure is part of website security whose job is to protect when the communication process occurs on the internet network.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure or commonly abbreviated HTTPS.
This protocol wraps an encrypted layer around HTTP and Transport Layer Security (TLS) so that the client and server communicate securely using HTTP.
In other words, this protocol will be encrypted to increase the security of sensitive data transfers, for example when accessing web bank accounts, email services, or health insurance providers.
Websites that use the HTTPS protocol have the phrase https:// at the beginning of their domain URL, not http://.
The closest example is when you access the Matob website, it will definitely read https://matob.web.id.
This is because any website, especially websites that require account verification by logging in, must use this secure HTTP protocol.
Because, since 2018, modern web browsers like Chrome will mark websites that don’t use HTTPS with a warning notification that says “Not Secure” next to the domain name in the address bar.
Difference between HTTP and HTTPS
The main difference between HTTP and HTTPS is the level of security.
However, besides that there are some differences between HTTP and HTTPS that you can know more about.
The difference between HTTP and HTTPS can be seen from various aspects.
Here are 6 aspects of the difference between HTTP and HTTPS that you can understand, including:
Protocol
The first difference between HTTP and HTTPS is from the aspect of the protocol
HTTP is the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, while HTTPS is the Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
HTTP and HTTPS are both internet network protocols that are used in the process of transferring, communicating, or exchanging data between the server and client.
Although it is used in the data transfer process, between HTTP and HTTPS there are differences in the security layer.
The HTTP protocol is usually considered insecure, while the HTTPS protocol is considered secure.
In fact, the form of the protocol displayed by the web browser is also different.
Websites that only use the HTTP protocol usually have http:// in the URL section of the website and are colored red.
As for HTTPS, usually in the URL of the website there is the words https:// and it is green.
Security
The second difference between HTTP and HTTPS lies in the level of security.
It’s clear that HTTPS is more secure than HTTP.
Websites that use HTTPS usually have a padlock icon next to the URL and the words https:// are green.
In addition, you can also view the SSL certificate used by clicking the padlock icon.
After you click the lock icon, the web browser will provide detailed SSL certificate information.
Starting from the domain name, SSL type, and SSL certificate expiration.
Port
The third difference between HTTP and HTTPS is in terms of the communication port.
There are 2 types of known port terms, namely physical ports and logical ports.
A physical port is a port that can be physically seen and felt to connect two or more components.
For example connecting between computers with servers with cables.
Logic port is a type of non-physical port that is used to connect between devices via protocols.
HTTP and HTTPS include logical ports.
The HTTP port used is port type 80.
Port 80 is in charge of connecting the server with the client.
While the HTTPS port is port 443 to connect the server and client via SSL.
Layer
The next difference between HTTP and HTTPS is the layer location.
The HTTP protocol works at the application layer.
While the HTTPS protocol works at the transport layer (transport layer).
The transport layer is responsible for moving data from the client to the server, and data security
SSL Certificate
A website that wants to use the HTTPS protocol, it is necessary to install an SSL certificate that has been verified by the Certificate Authority .
There are various types of SSL certificates, some are free and some are paid.
Certainly between the two have differences in the level of security.
For that, you can choose an SSL certificate based on your business needs.
Unlike HTTPS which uses SSL to encrypt data, HTTP does not contain an SSL certificate so it does not decrypt data and is vulnerable to harmful actions such as data theft or virus injection.
SEO
The use of HTTP or HTTPS can also affect SEO rankings on search engines.
Search engines like Google prefer websites that already use HTTPS.
So that when providing search results to users, search engines will display websites that already have an SSL certificate.
Advantages of Using HTTPS
The following are the benefits you get if you start using HTTPS or use an SSL certificate on your website.
1. Trusted by Users and Web Browsers
HTTPS is a protocol that uses SSL or TLS certificates to encrypt communications so as to minimize hacker attempts to steal data.
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or TLS will inform users that they are connected and their data is protected on your website server.
That way, you as a web owner can prevent various types of cyber attacks.
While some users may not realize the benefits of SSL or TLS, modern web browsers will make sure that they care about the trust factor of a website.
2. Website Communication is Safer
The HTTPS protocol will keep online communications and interactions secure.
So that bad guys like hackers can’t steal any data that is being sent by the server.
For example, a user’s username and password cannot be stolen while a user is filling out a login form to an account.
If a website or web application must transmit sensitive or personal data to users (for example, bank account information), the encryption process also protects that data.
Change HTTP To HTTPS
The change from HTTP to HTTPS is one of the improvements in website development.
Who doesn’t want to have a secure website? Surely all website owners want their website to be safe.
Well, one of them is by changing HTTP to HTTPS.
First of all if you want to make changes to HTTPS, you must have an SSL certificate first.
What distinguishes the HTTP protocol with HTTPS is the SSL certificate.
The HTTP protocol does not require an SSL certificate, while HTTPS requires an SSL certificate.
The type of SSL certificate does vary depending on the security level algorithm for each SSL.
The EV type is the type that has the highest level of security.
Usually this type is used for bank websites that require a high level of security.
After you have an SSL certificate, the next step is to install SSL on your hosting or website.
There are several preparations that you must do before installing SSL, namely you must obtain a CSR, Private KEY, CRT, and CABUNDLE so that the SSL certificate can be activated.
After getting it, you can start installing SSL by logging into cPanel and going to the SSL.
Later all components will be entered into the SSL menu so that they can be verified by CA (Certificate Authority) and web browsers.
Want More Secure Website? Immediately Install SSL!
In addition to protecting your website and increasing user trust, switching to HTTPS will also make your website rank in search engine rankings.
Search engines are more confident with websites that already have an SSL certificate.
This is because for the purpose of maintaining mutual security both in terms of search engines, users, and websites.