Key Definitions of HTTP and HTTPS
What is HTTP?
Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) offers rules and standards that govern transmitted information on the World Wide Web. It allows servers and web browsers to communicate.
HTTP is an application layer network protocol built on top of transmission control protocol (TCP), which is one of the main Internet suite protocols. HTTP uses hypertext structured text, which establishes the logical link between nodes containing text. It is also known as "stateless protocol," since each command is executed separately without using references to previous run commands.
What is HTTPS?
In contrast, hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) is the next generation of HTTP, providing a highly advanced and more secure version of these protocols. HTTPS uses port no. 443 for data communication, which enables secure transactions through the process of encrypting the entire communication with secure sockets layer (SSL).
HTTPS is a combination of SSL and transport layer security (TLS) protocol mixed with HTTP. It provides encrypted and secure identification of a network server.
Don't They Both Provide Encryption Protection?
Yes, but how they encrypt makes a big difference for internet security.
HTTP allows users to create a secure encrypted connection between the server and the browser. It offers the bi-directional security of data, which helps users protect potentially sensitive information from being stolen.
In HTTPS, protocol SSL transactions are negotiated with the help of key-based encryption algorithms. This key is generally either 40 or 128 bits in strength.
Are there Other Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS?
- HTTP lacks the security mechanism to encrypt the data itself, whereas HTTPS provides an SSL or TLS Digital Certificate to secure the communication between server and client.
- HTTP operates at Application Layer. HTTPS operates at Transport Layer.
- HTTP by default operates on port 80, while HTTPS operates on port 443.
- HTTP transfers data in plain text. HTTPS transfers data in cipher text (encrypted text).
- HTTP is faster, as compared to HTTPS; however, HTTPS consumes computation power to encrypt the communication channel, making the data more secure as a tradeoff for slower processing times.
What about Limitations with HTTP and HTTPS?
Limitations of HTTP:
- There is no privacy, as anyone can see the content.
- Data integrity is a big issue, since users can alter the non-encrypted content.
- Credential security is also at risk with HTTP, as anyone who intercepts the HTTP request can get the username and password.
Limitations of HTTPS:
- HTTPS protocols cannot stop hackers from stealing confidential information from the pages cached on the browser, though it can detour them from spending the effort.
- SSL data can only be encrypted during transmission on the network, so the text cannot be cleared from the browser's memory.
- HTTPS can increase computational overhead as well as the network overhead of an organization.
How Do I Make Sure My Information Is Secure on BlueVolt?
BlueVolt now requires all information on the platform to be in HTTPS.
Not sure if your information meets our compliance requirements? Not a problem!
Contact us today, or call your Customer Success Manager, and we can help you verify that your data is secure on the BlueVolt network.
