Comparison Between HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): HTTP is a protocol used for transferring data over the web. It is not encrypted, making it insecure for transmitting sensitive information. It operates on port 80 and is suitable for non-sensitive communications.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, using SSL/TLS encryption to protect data during transmission. It ensures data confidentiality, integrity, and server authentication, operating on port 443. It is widely used for secure transactions like online banking and e-commerce.

Comparison: HTTP vs HTTPS

Aspect	HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)	HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
Security	No encryption; data transmitted in plain text.	Encrypted using SSL/TLS to protect data.
Port	Default port is 80.	Default port is 443.
Encryption	No encryption is applied to the communication.	Encrypts the communication, ensuring confidentiality.
Data Integrity	Susceptible to tampering and interception by attackers.	Ensures data integrity and protects against tampering.
Authentication	No authentication mechanism.	Uses certificates to authenticate the server.
Use Cases	Suitable for non-sensitive data or internal networks.	Preferred for sensitive data like banking, e-commerce.
Trust Indicator	No padlock icon in browsers; flagged as "Not Secure."	Displays a padlock icon in browsers for secure sites.

Key Difference: HTTPS provides secure, encrypted communication, while HTTP does not. HTTPS is the standard for modern web applications handling sensitive data.