HTTP protocol - Geosurf proxy Glossary

What is HTTP and How It Works?

HTTP – Hypertext Transfer Protocol is the protocol allowing data to be transferred over the Internet. It’s the foundation for data transmission on Internet protocols as same as on the World Wide Web.

Different Versions: HTTP comes in different versions, each with distinct features and enhancements. The most well-known version is HTTP/1.1 which was released the year it first came out. Version HTTP/2 2.0 was released in 2015 and featured a faster speed and additional security capabilities.

Security: HTTP cannot provide encryption on its own since the information sent via HTTP will be saved in text and is accessible to anyone who has access to the internet. To safeguard the information that is transferred over the Internet, HTTPS was introduced which secures data using SSL/TLS.

Use Cases: HTTP is used for diverse reasons, like making content for the web and for transferring data between various applications, in addition to using APIs. It is the primary protocol that supports World Wide Web uses and is essential to modern Internet communication.

What is the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS Protocols?

HTTP: is not a secured protocol, which implies that the information you send via the HTTP connection, consisting of passwords for login and credit card information or personal data is not secure. That is why it is not recommended to enter sensitive data about yourself on an internet site that exclusively uses HTTP.

HTTPS: is a more secure version of HTTP that uses encryption to protect info being transmitted among servers and customers. If you visit an internet site that uses HTTPS your browser establishes an encrypted connection to the server via SSL/TLS encryption. This encryption

guarantees that each piece of information transferred between the server and your browser remains secure and cannot be accessed using a third party.

Why Is it Important to Use HTTPS Instead of HTTP?

Protects Sensitive Data

One of the main motives for utilizing HTTPS is to guard sensitive data against being accessed by unauthorized individuals. If you transmit data through an unsecured HTTP connection, it’s feasible for hackers to get access to the data and decode it. This is especially important when you transmit sensitive information like credit card number password and personal information.

Authenticates Websites

Another benefit to the use of HTTPS is that it assists to verify websites. If you are able to connect to a site via HTTPS your browser confirms that the digital certificate of the website is valid. This ensures that you’re communicating with a legitimate site and not a fraudulent site that attempts to steal your data.

Boosts SEO

Google has made it clear that HTTPS is an indicator of ranking within its algorithm for search results. That means websites that use HTTPS have a higher chance to be ranked higher in search results than sites using HTTP. The use of HTTPS will assist in helping increase your website’s visibility and increase traffic on your website.

Creates Trust with Users

Utilizing HTTPS will also assist create trust among users. When they see the padlock icon on the address bar of their browser they are assured that their data is encrypted. This will boost the confidence of users on your website and help users to share sensitive information or to make purchases.