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HTTP vs HTTPS: What You Need to Know (A Resource for Secure Browsing) 

8 min read
When you type a web address into your browser, you’ll notice it starts with either http:// or https://.  At first glance, it looks like a small difference - a single letter - but that little "s" carries significant weight. It signals whether your connection is secure or exposed, and in today’s digital world, that distinction matters more than ever.  
Smiling man sitting in a modern kitchen making an online purchase with a credit card and smartphone, laptop open on the counter beside a coffee mug.

In this article, we’ll break down what HTTP and HTTPS mean, highlight their key differences, explain why HTTPS is the modern standard for security and performance, and share best practices for staying safe online and on the go. 

HTTP vs. HTTPS: Side-by-side comparison

FeatureHTTPHTTPS
Web addressStarts with http://Starts with https://
EncryptionNo protectionData is safely encrypted
Data safetyCan be changed by hackersHelps stop tampering
Site identity checkNo proof of who runs the siteConfirms site is real
Browser messageShows “Not Secure”Shows it’s secure via padlock icon
SpeedSlower loadingFaster loading
Search rankingLower on GoogleMay boost your Google rank
Advanced featuresSome things won’t workNeeded for secure features
Security riskEasy to spy onKeeps your info more private

What is HTTP? 

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It's the basic way websites used to send and receive information. It uses something called port 80, which is like a "door" on your computer that helps connect to websites. But with HTTP, the data goes through that door unprotected, so others can see or steal it.  

How HTTP works

When you enter a website address, your browser sends a request to the server. The server replies with the content (like an HTML page). Everything in this request and response can be seen by anyone monitoring the connection. 

Risks of HTTP

Login details, payment data, and personal messages can be intercepted. This is why browsers now flag HTTP sites as "Not Secure." 

Why HTTP is still used

Some old systems or internal company tools still use HTTP because they were built that way and haven't been updated. But on the public internet, using HTTP is rare and not safe, since it leaves your data exposed. It’s kind of like locking your front door with tape instead of a key.  

What is HTTPS? 

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s the same protocol as HTTP but layered with TLS (Transport Layer Security). This ensures that the communication is encrypted and authenticated. 

How HTTPS works

  • The browser connects to a server using port 443, a door reserved for secure, encrypted communication. 
  • The server presents a digital certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority. 
  • The browser verifies the certificate, and the two exchange encryption keys. 
  • All further communication is encrypted, keeping outsiders from eavesdropping. 

4 Benefits of HTTPS 

  1. Keeps your info safer – things like passwords, credit cards, and messages are encrypted, so they’re harder for hackers to steal. 
  2. Confirms who you’re talking to – HTTPS helps you know you're really on the right website, not a fake one pretending to be it. 
  3. Shows trust signs – most browsers show a padlock icon when a site uses HTTPS, which tells you it’s using a secure connection. 
  4. Follows the rules – it helps websites meet legal requirements like PCI DSS (for online payments) and GDPR (for user privacy). 

But remember: HTTPS doesn’t make a site completely safe. It protects the connection, not the content. A scam site can still use HTTPS -  and mimic the padlock - so always be careful where you click and what you share.  

Tip: Click the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar to see the site’s certificate details. Legitimate businesses usually have verified certificates that show their name, while scammers often use basic certificates with little info. 

Why HTTPS matters: 3 reasons

1. Security and privacy

HTTPS protects your data as it travels between your device and a website. This is especially important on public Wi-Fi (like at a coffee shop), where attackers can try to intercept your connection. For example, if you log into your email using HTTP, your username and password are sent in plain text and anyone watching the network could steal them. 
With HTTPS, that information is encrypted, so it's unreadable to others. 

HTTPS also helps prevent man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, where someone secretly alters or "listens" to the communication between you and the website. 

2. Performance advantages

In the past, encrypting data (like HTTPS does) made websites slower. But now, with new improvements, HTTPS is often faster than HTTP. 

  • HTTP/2 lets websites send many requests at once over a single connection, so pages load quicker. 
  • HTTP/3 uses a new technology that helps websites load faster, especially on phones and shaky internet connections. 

In other words, HTTPS doesn’t just protect - it can actually improve site performance. 

3. SEO and user trust

If you run a small business or have a website, HTTPS helps your site show up higher on Google, bringing more visitors. It also makes your site look trustworthy – visitors feel safer sharing their info. Even if you’re just sharing a blog or personal site, HTTPS helps protect you and your visitors from hackers and keeps your connection more private. 

What happens when a site isn’t secure? 

On an HTTP site: 

  • Your data is sent without encryption (in plain text). 
  • Attackers can "listen in" by spying on Wi-Fi, redirecting traffic, or capturing data. 
  • Hackers can inject malicious code, like unwanted pop-ups or redirects to fake websites. 
  • Browsers may warn you or even block the site altogether. 

The takeaway: never enter sensitive information on an HTTP site. 

Migrating to HTTPS: Best practices 

For most small business owners, bloggers, or casual content creators – website builders and hosting providers usually handle HTTPS for you automatically. So, if you’re using a popular website builder or host, you probably don’t need to worry about most of the technical steps, it’s done behind the scenes. 

9 FAQs about HTTP vs. HTTPS 

  1. Is HTTPS really safer than HTTP? 
    Yes. HTTPS encrypts the data sent between your browser and the website, while HTTP sends data in plain text that anyone can read. 
  1. Can HTTPS stop all cyberattacks? 
    No. HTTPS helps protect against data interception but does not prevent all threats like malware, phishing, or weak passwords. 
  1. Does HTTPS slow down websites? 
    No. With modern technologies like HTTP/2 and HTTP/3, HTTPS sites often load faster than HTTP sites. 
  1. Why do some sites still use HTTP? 
    Mostly because of older systems, cost concerns, or simply because the site owners haven’t updated their setup. 
  1. Is HTTPS free? 
    Some services provide free SSL/TLS certificates. 
  1. Do all websites need HTTPS? 
    Yes. It protects visitors and helps improve search engine rankings. 
  1. How can I tell if a site uses HTTPS? 
    Look for a padlock icon and https:// at the start of the web address. Click on the padlock to verify security information. 
  1. Can HTTPS improve SEO rankings? 
    Yes. Google uses HTTPS as a ranking factor and trusted sites tend to keep visitors longer. 
  1. What happens if my certificate expires? 
    Your visitors will see a warning that the certificate is expired, which can scare them away from your site. 

Key takeaways on HTTP vs. HTTPS

HTTPS isn’t just an upgrade - it’s the standard for a secure and trustworthy web. Whether you’re browsing the internet or managing a website, HTTPS helps protect your personal information, speeds up your experience, and builds trust between you and the sites you visit (or the sites you run). Using HTTPS is a simple but powerful step to keep everyone safer online. 

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