HTTP and HTTPS Protocols

HTTP is a language used to communicate between web browsers and servers. When a device wants to visit a website, it sends a GET request (usually a document request) of the website code.

Since data on the Internet is written on plain text on an open network with shared connections, this makes data vulnerable to hackers who wish to gain access to information users are sending over the Internet. Safe websites prevent this from happening by asking your device to communicate on a secure channel.

This is done by using SSL and its successor TSL. These provide an extra layer of security around communication over the Internet. You know SSL and TLS are active when you see the S in HTTP, such as in this website's url "https://sammyyyalex.github.io/howTheInternetWorks/" and the lock next to the browser address bar. HTTPS protocols ensure that your HTTP requests are secure and protected.

Browsers know a website is secure because they provide digital certificates - an ID card proving that it is the website it claims to be - which are published by certificate authorities. If a website certificate is not proper, your browser will issue a warning.

This allows for safe communication over the Internet.