HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It is a protective protocol that allows for secure communication between a web server and a web browser. It uses an SSL/TLS (Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security) certificate to encrypt communication and verify the integrity of data when it is being transmitted between a user’s device and the website. Here is a breakdown of how HTTPS works:
1. A user types in a URL that begins with “https://” in their web browser.
2. The browser sends a request to the web server for a secure connection.
3. The web server responds by sending its SSL/TLS certificate to the browser to initiate a handshake process.
4. The browser checks the SSL/TLS certificate to make sure it is valid and trusted by a Certificate Authority (CA). If it is not, the browser will display a warning message.
5. The browser generates a symmetric encryption key to use for communication with the web server.
6. The browser encrypts the key and sends it to the web server.
7. The web server decrypts the key and uses it to encrypt data between the user’s device and the website.
8. Any information sent between the user’s device and the website is encrypted and verified through digital certificates, which include the website’s public key and other identification information.
9. If any data is intercepted, it would appear as random characters to any third party, and the SSL/TLS certificate would be invalidated, alerting the user and preventing further communication.
Overall, HTTPS provides a secure and private channel for online communication, protecting sensitive information such as credit card details, login credentials, and personal data from unauthorized access or theft.
