What is HTTPS and Why It Matters for Security

HTTPS, standing for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, represents the evolution of web communication security, addressing the fundamental vulnerabilities inherent in plain HTTP. By adding a layer of encryption through SSL/TLS protocols, HTTPS transforms the open, readable nature of HTTP into a secure, private communication channel. This security enhancement has become so crucial that modern web browsers and search engines now consider HTTPS the standard rather than an optional upgrade.

The transition from HTTP to HTTPS represents more than just adding an 'S' to the protocol name. It fundamentally changes how data travels between browsers and servers, wrapping all communication in cryptographic protection. When you visit an HTTPS website, your browser and the server engage in a complex cryptographic handshake that establishes a secure connection before any actual data transfer begins. This process happens in milliseconds, invisible to users, yet provides robust protection against numerous attack vectors.