HTTP or HTTPS?

What is HTTP?

HTTP stands for “hypertext transfer protocol” and is the way the internet communicates.  It allows us to transfer images, texts, videos, music etc across the world wide web.

So what is https and how it is different to http?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.   When we enter a website with HTTPS, our access to the website is encrypted so we can safely send messages, pictures, and pay for our shopping.

When should I be using a HTTPS website?

Everytime you need to share confidential information about yourself, such as:

*booking holidays which contain your passport infomration,

*online banking,

*logging into forums,

*e-mailing friends...

In fact, whenever you are required to have a username and password there must be a HTTPS so this includes Twitter, or accessing your O2 phone account.

You will notice HTTPS on major sites like Hotmail, ASOS, Expedia, and HSBC.  HTTPS will protect your information from being taken by hackers when you log-in.

If you want to make a purchase with a new online shop and you notice that the site is not HTTPS, you should not make the order.  There is a risk the website will not protect your card details or is a fake.

Why aren’t all sites HTTPS?

Not all websites want us to log-in with a user name like when we're reading the news on BBC or Daily Mail.  These are passive sites where we read what we want but don’t have to log-in to access any additional features, or exchange personal details.

Plus, HTTPS can be an extra cost for some web adminstrators.