HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is an extension of HTTP and is used to secure communication over a computer network. HTTPS is widely used on the internet for security-sensitive communication, such as online banking, e-commerce transactions, and any scenario where sensitive information needs to be transmitted securely.

The protocol encrypts data by using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol, which provides three key layers of protection:

When a browser accesses an HTTPS-secured server, the server sends its SSL certificate to the browser. This certificate contains the public key necessary to begin the secure session. The two parties then undergo a "handshake" process, which involves the generation of shared secrets to establish a uniquely secure connection between the user and the website.

Using HTTPS is critical for protecting a website, even if it doesn't handle sensitive communications. It provides privacy, critical security, and data integrity for both websites and users' personal information.