What Is Hypertext Transport Protocol Secure (HTTPS)?
Introducing HTTPS, the hip relative of HTTP! Both methods send data over the internet, but HTTPS has a competitive advantage thanks to security. You see, sending a postcard via HTTP allows anyone who views it to read the message inside. However, HTTPS is similar to sending a locked box; only the key owner can access it and read what is inside. This is accomplished by encrypting the data to make it unintelligible to anyone who intercepts it. What about SSL, however? The SSL/TLS certificate, like a VIP pass to the private party, is first and foremost required for HTTPS. A responsible third party, such as Let's Encrypt, issues the certificate, which includes details about the website and its owner. Your computer and the website's server begin a "handshake" when you access a website using HTTPS. They converse briefly (technically known as "cipher suites") to decide on the encryption technique they will employ to protect the data. Your computer then verifies the SSL/TLS certificate of the website to ensure its legitimacy. If everything is in order, the website's server and your computer jointly produce a " session key" to encrypt and decrypt the data. Now, your browser encrypts the data with the session key before transmitting it whenever it requests the website. The encrypted data is delivered to the website's computer, which decrypts it using the session key. Similarly, the website encodes data before sending it back to your browser, interpreting it once it receives it. However, there's still more! SSL encrypts data and verifies that it hasn't been altered. How? by creating a distinct "fingerprint" of the data using a "hash function." The recipient can create a fresh fingerprint using the same hash function and compare it to the one sent using the fingerprint sent with the data. The information has yet to be tampered with if the fingerprints align. If they don't, there may be a problem, and the information is thrown out. In conclusion, HTTPS is a fantastic kids-only club that only those with SSL/TLS certificates can enter. To keep your conversations private once logged in, you and the website's server establish a secret code (session key). Additionally, if anyone attempts to eavesdrop on your chats, a unique fingerprinting method guarantees you will catch them. Therefore, the next time you browse the web, watch for that tiny lock icon in the address field and know HTTPS has your back.
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