The Secure Web: Understanding HTTP vs. HTTPS Basics of HTTP. 1. What is HTTP? HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. When you type a website into your browser, it sends an HTTP request to the server where the website is hosted to retrieve the content and display it on your screen. HTTP operates over port 80 and is a non-secure protocol, meaning the data exchanged between your browser and the server is not encrypted. 2. The Limitations of HTTP Since HTTP data is not encrypted, it is vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals, resulting in potential privacy and security risks for users. Hackers can eavesdrop on your connection and steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, and personal data, when you visit an HTTP website. The Security Upgrade: HTTPS 1. What is HTTPS? HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is the secure version of HTTP that uses SSL/TLS en...