Network Switch:
HTTP vs HTTPS
HTTPS is important in network equipment because it ensures secure access to device management interfaces, such as routers, switches, and firewalls.
When administrators log in to configure or monitor these devices through a web browser, HTTPS encrypts the communication using SSL/TLS, protecting sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and configuration data from being intercepted or altered by attackers.
Without HTTPS, this data would be transmitted in plain text, making it vulnerable to network-based threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks. Therefore, using HTTPS on network equipment is essential for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of network operations.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP the protocol used to transfer data between your browser and a website.
The “S” in HTTPS stands for “Secure”, and it means that the data exchanged is encrypted using a protocol called SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer / Transport Layer Security).
Why is HTTPS Important?
- Encryption:It protects the data being transferred from being read by third parties (e.g. passwords, credit card numbers).
- Authentication: It verifies that you’re actually connected to the website you intended to visit, not a fake or malicious version.
- Data Integrity: Ensures the data isn’t changed or corrupted during transfer.
- Trust: Browsers show a padlock icon for HTTPS sites, which increases user trust.
HTTPS Benefits:
- Encryption: Keeps user data private and safe from hackers.
- Authentication: Confirms the website is real (not fake or phishing).
- Data Integrity: Ensures data is not altered during transfer.
- Trust: Increases user confidence (browsers show a padlock).
- SEO Advantage: Google ranks HTTPS websites higher in search results.
How HTTPS Works (Secure version):
- You enter a URL like
https://example.com. - The browser first connects to the website’s server.
- The server sends an SSL/TLS certificate, proving it’s the real website.
- The browser checks the certificate with a Certificate Authority (CA).
- If it’s valid, the browser and server:
- Agree on a secure encryption method.
- Share secret keys (safely) using a method like RSA or Diffie-Hellman.
- A secure, encrypted connection is now active.
- All data sent between your browser and the website is encrypted, so no one can spy or tamper with it.
Technical Comparison (Simplified):
| Step | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Request initiated | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Certificate exchanged | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (from CA) |
| Encrypted connection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (using SSL/TLS) |
| Data confidentiality | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Browser trust level | Low | High (shows padlock ) |
Features of HTTPS:
HTTPS Protocol used for Online shopping (credit cards), Login pages (usernames/passwords), Banking websites andAny website where privacy and security matter.
- Uses port 443
- Shows a padlock icon in the browser
- Requires a digital certificate (SSL/TLS certificate) issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA)
Read more: What is NetFlow protocol
What is HTTP?
HTTP stands for: HyperText Transfer Protocol. It is the basic protocol used to transfer data (like web pages, images, and videos) between a web browser and a web server.
How HTTP Works (Basic version):
When you type a website address like http://example.com:
- Your browser sends an HTTP request to the server.
- The web server receives the request and sends back the data (like an HTML page).
- The browser displays the page.
- No encryption: Anyone on the same network (like hackers on public Wi-Fi) could see or intercept the information.
HTTP is stateless, which means it doesn’t remember anything from previous requests each time you refresh a page, it starts from scratch.
Important Note: HTTP is not secure. It does not encrypt the data being transferred. That means:
- Anyone on the same network can see the data (like messages, passwords, etc.).
- It is vulnerable to hacking, data theft, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Features of HTTP:
- Uses port 80
- No encryption
- URL starts with
http:// - Faster than HTTPS (slightly), but less secure
- Mostly used for non-sensitive content (like blogs or news sites)
For Example: Imagine sending a postcard through the mail, Everyone who handles it can read your message and that’s how HTTP works no privacy or protection.
HTTP vs HTTPS:
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol used for transferring data between a web browser and a web server. It is fast and widely supported, but it does not encrypt the data being exchanged.
This means that if someone intercepts your internet traffic (like on public Wi-Fi), they could potentially see everything you’re sending or receiving, including usernames, passwords, or credit card information.
On the other hand, HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP Protocol. It uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect the data during transmission. This ensures that your data is encrypted, the website is authenticated, and the integrity of the data is maintained. HTTPS is essential for secure browsing, especially on e-commerce, banking, and login pages.
Differences features between HTTP & HTTPS:
| Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ❌ No encryption | ✅ Encrypted using SSL/TLS |
| Port Used | Port 80 | Port 443 |
| Certificate | ❌ Not required | ✅ Needs an SSL/TLS certificate |
| Data Protection | ❌ Vulnerable to interception | ✅ Secure from eavesdropping & tampering |
| URL Prefix | http:// | https:// |
Types of HTTPS Certificates:
- DV (Domain Validation): Basic security, only confirms domain ownership.
- OV (Organization Validation): Confirms both domain and organization.
- EV (Extended Validation): Highest level of validation; shows organization name in the address bar in some browsers.
summary of these sentences: Use HTTP Protocol only for non-sensitive content (like simple blogs) but, Use HTTPS for anything that handles user data, especially forms, logins, or payments. Today, most modern websites must use HTTPS Protocol to be considered trustworthy and secure.
What Makes HTTPS Secure?
HTTPS uses SSL/TLS encryption (Secure Sockets Layer / Transport Layer Security) to:
- Encrypt data between your browser and the website.
- Authenticate the website (proves it’s real).
- Protect the data from being seen, changed, or stolen by hackers.
With a Simple Example explain better: Imagine you’re sending a private message:
- HTTP = like writing on a postcard anyone can read it.
- HTTPS = like sealing it in an envelope only the right person can open and read it.
What Happens If a Website Doesn’t Have HTTPS?
If a website only uses HTTP (not HTTPS), it means the connection between your browser and the website is not secure.
1. No Encryption
- Any data you send (like login info, credit card numbers, personal details) can be intercepted and read by hackers or attackers especially on public Wi-Fi.
- It’s like shouting your password out loud in a public place.
2. Vulnerable to Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
- Hackers can modify the data between you and the website.
- For example: They could inject malware, change links, or redirect you to a fake site.
3. Browser Warnings
- Modern browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge) show a warning:
- “Not Secure” message in the address bar.
- Sometimes, the browser blocks access entirely and shows a red warning page.
4. Loss of Trust
- Users may not feel safe using the site (especially for login or payment).
- Lack of HTTPS makes a website look outdated or unprofessional.
5. SEO Penalty
- Google ranks HTTPS websites higher.
- HTTP-only sites may lose traffic because of lower search rankings.
Summary: Without HTTPS there is No security and Data can be stolen or modified, No trust and Browser warns: “Not Secure”, Bad SEO and Lower Google ranking, finally Risky and Dangerous for forms, passwords.
What Port Does HTTPS Use?
HTTPS Protocol uses port 443 by default. This is the network port through which secure, encrypted communication takes place between your web browser and the web server. When you visit a website that starts with https://, your browser automatically connects to the server through port 443 to establish a secure TLS/SSL session.
This port ensures that all data transferred is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping or tampering. Unlike HTTPS Protocol, which uses port 80 and sends data in plain text, port 443 enables websites to provide confidentiality, authentication, and data integrity making it the standard for secure web traffic today.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, HTTPS plays a vital role in securing internet communication by encrypting data between your browser and web servers. Using port 443, HTTPS Protocol ensures that sensitive information like passwords, payment details, and personal data remain private and protected from eavesdropping or tampering.
This secure connection not only builds trust between users and websites but also improves search engine rankings and complies with modern security standards. As online threats continue to grow, adopting HTTPS and its secure port 443 has become essential for any website aiming to provide safe and reliable services. You can our other blogs in Atech Blog and share your idea with to make us improve.