What is HTTPS?

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an extension of the HTTP protocol for supporting encryption. It provides a secure connection between the client (browser) and the server.

Main components:

• HTTP: The basic protocol for transmitting hypertext.
• TLS/SSL: Encryption protocols that ensure confidentiality and integrity of data, as well as server authentication.

How HTTPS works:

1. The client sends a request to connect to the HTTPS server.
2. The server sends its certificate to the client, issued by a trusted certification authority (CA).
3. The client verifies the certificate's validity and trustworthiness of the CA.
4. If the certificate is valid, the client and server exchange keys and establish an encrypted connection using TLS/SSL.
5. Further data exchange occurs in encrypted form.

Advantages:

• Confidentiality: Data is protected from interception.
• Integrity: Data protection against modification during transmission.
• Authentication: Confirmation of the server's authenticity.
• SEO Improvement: Search engines favor websites with HTTPS.

HTTPS uses port 443 by default, unlike HTTP, which uses port 80.