Commonly confused

HTTP vs HTTPS

HTTP is plain. HTTPS wraps the same requests in TLS so traffic is encrypted and the server can be authenticated.

HTTP

HTTP, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is a foundational network protocol used for transmitting hypermedia documents, such as HTML, across the internet. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and what actions web servers and browsers should take in response to.

HTTP is the internet's primary protocol for transferring web pages and other hypermedia documents between clients and servers.

Full PathTerms™ definition

HTTPS

HTTPS is a secure version of the HTTP protocol used for transmitting data over the internet. It encrypts communication between a web browser and a web server, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access. HTTPS achieves this.

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, encrypting internet communication to protect sensitive data and ensure privacy.

Full PathTerms™ definition

Why it matters

People mix up HTTP and HTTPS in exam questions and job posts. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right control, process, or architecture choice.

How to remember the difference

HTTP is plain. HTTPS wraps the same requests in TLS so traffic is encrypted and the server can be authenticated.

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