Alright let’s talk about HTTP and HTTPS.
It’s a bit of a technical topic but bear with me.
Think of it like this: Imagine you’re sending a postcard to a friend.
HTTP is like sending that postcard in plain view – anyone can read it.
HTTPS on the other hand is like putting your postcard in a sealed envelope.
Only your friend can read it.
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HTTP: The Unprotected Postcard
Want to learn more about VPNs and how they can protect your online activity? 🤔 Click here to find out more about VPNs and how they can keep you safe online!
HTTP or Hypertext Transfer Protocol is the foundation of how we interact with websites.
It’s the language that your browser uses to communicate with web servers pulling down all the glorious content you see on the internet.
Back in the day HTTP was the only game in town and everyone just kinda went with it.
But as we got more savvy about online security we realized that HTTP had a big problem: it was totally open.
Think about it: when you send a postcard anyone who picks it up can read what you wrote.
Same with HTTP – all the data you send and receive using this protocol is completely exposed.
This makes it a prime target for hackers.
They can easily intercept your information like your login credentials credit card numbers or even personal messages.
Not cool.
HTTPS: The Secure Envelope
Enter HTTPS the safe and sound version of HTTP.
This is where that SSL certificate comes into play.
Think of it like a digital lock and key.
Your web browser and the website you’re visiting have to share the same key to unlock the secure connection.
This means that any data traveling between your browser and the website is encrypted making it unreadable to anyone else.
Why HTTPS Makes a Difference
So why should you care about HTTPS? Here’s the deal:
- Security: HTTPS protects your information from snooping eyes which is super important when you’re banking online shopping or using any service that involves sensitive data.
- Trust: Websites using HTTPS are seen as more trustworthy by both users and search engines. Google even gives preference to HTTPS websites in its search results.
- Legal Compliance: In some industries HTTPS is mandatory for compliance reasons. For example healthcare companies and financial institutions are required to use HTTPS to protect their customers’ sensitive information.
What to Look For: The Little Lock Icon
So how do you know if a website is using HTTPS? Here’s how:
- Look for “https” in the URL: The “s” stands for “secure.”
- Check for the lock icon: In your browser’s address bar you’ll see a little lock icon next to the website’s address. This means the website is using HTTPS.
Why HTTP is Still Around (and Why You Should Be Careful)
Even though HTTPS is the gold standard you’ll still find websites that use HTTP.
There are a few reasons for this:
- Legacy systems: Some websites are stuck with older technology that doesn’t support HTTPS.
- Cost: Setting up HTTPS can be more expensive than using HTTP especially for smaller websites.
- Laziness: Let’s be real some website owners are just lazy and haven’t bothered to upgrade to HTTPS yet.
What to do if you’re on an HTTP website
Here’s the bottom line: if you’re on a website that’s using HTTP be careful.
It’s best to avoid entering sensitive information on those websites.
HTTP vs. HTTPS: A Quick Summary
| Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Unsecure | Secure |
| Encryption | No | Yes |
| Trustworthiness | Lower | Higher |
| Search Engine Ranking | Lower | Higher |
| Legal Compliance | Not always | Often required |
Extra Protection: VPNs to the Rescue
you’re doing your part by using websites with HTTPS right? But what about your own online activity? Let’s say you’re browsing the internet from a public Wi-Fi network.
Even if you’re using HTTPS your internet traffic can still be monitored by others on that network.
This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in.
Think of a VPN like a secret tunnel that encrypts all your internet traffic.
It hides your IP address and routes your connection through a secure server making it much harder for others to see what you’re doing online.
VPNs are a great way to add an extra layer of security to your online activity.
In Conclusion: Be Smart Stay Secure
In a world where privacy and security are more important than ever it’s crucial to be mindful of the websites you visit and the protocols they use.
Always look for that “https” in the URL and that little lock icon in your browser.
And remember a VPN can provide an extra layer of protection.
Think of it like this: if you wouldn’t send a postcard with your credit card information on it you wouldn’t want to browse the internet without HTTPS either!
Want to learn more about VPNs and how they can protect your online activity? 🤔 Click here to find out more about VPNs and how they can keep you safe online!