Difference between 'http' and 'https'

The Genius

JF-Expert Member
May 29, 2018
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What is the difference between http and https?

Some of you may be aware of this difference, but it is worth sharing for many that are not.

The main difference between http:// and https:// is all about keeping you secure.

HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure". If you visit a Website or web page, and look at the address in the web browser, it is likely begin with the following: http:///.

This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular unsecured language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website.

If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site.

This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an Http website! But if the web address begins with https://, that means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on.

Now, you understand why this is so important, right?

If a website ever asks you to enter your Credit/Debit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web
address begins with https://.

If it doesn't, you should never enter sensitive Information such as a credit/debit card number.

While checking the name of any website, first look for the domain extension (.com or .org, .co, .in, .net etc).

The name just before this is the domain name of the website. Eg, in the above example, http://amazon.diwali-festivals.com, the word before .com is "diwali-festivals" (and not "amazon").

So, this webpage does not belong to amazon.com but belongs to "diwali-festivals.com", which we all haven't heard of before.

You can similarly check for bank frauds.
Before your ebanking logins, make sure that the name just before ".com" is the name of your bank. "Something.Ecobank.com" belongs to Ecobank ; but, Ecobank.some1else.com belongs to "some1else.

In an addition to this informative lecture. Please note that checking that the website starts with HTTPS is not enough to proof the website is secured.

You need to go an extra mile to check that the Certificate is authentic and truely award to the organisation who owns the website.

The Certificate information/validity is very important. The question is how do I check this.

Click the padlockicon at the start of the HTTPS to reveal further information about the security certificate issued to this organisation (in this case BBC)

That will show you details including validity and will prevent you from becoming a victim of hackers.

You've hopefully learned something new, now please share and educate others.
 
Kama unajua http basi itakuwa rahisi kujua https. Hiyo s stands for secure. Ikiwa na maana packet transmitted through https is more secure
 
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