While it is true, the net has become the most popular place, all over the world, because it facilitates numerous actions to its users. However, given its great expansion, it is also considered the perfect place to attack people and take advantage of their vulnerability from endless methods designed by untrustworthy users.
Consequently, at present, security and privacy when browsing the websites, It is estimated as a priority for all Internet users. Thanks to this global need, the well-known HTTPS protocol or “Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol” arose It provides full encryption and authentication to network users.
In view of its remarkable power, many people want to know, truly, What is this protocol used for and what are its main characteristics?. Therefore, in this post, we will specify said information and, additionally, we will mention What are its improvements and limitations, how does it work and why does it guarantee the highest possible security on the network?.
What is the Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol and what is it for?
While it is true, HTTPS refers to an application protocol that is intended for the secure transfer of hypertext data and is based on the but is the safe version of this. Thus, it consists of a protocol that offers the possibility of establish a reliable connection between client and server with the objective of prevent any interception by unauthorized persons.
In this sense, the Secure Protocol for Hypertext Transfer operates as a type of connection that used to encrypt user data. Thanks to this, people who surf the net will be able to obtain a fully encrypted data exchangesince the server will be authenticated.
Regarding its operationbasically, when a user confirms a URL entry in the address bar with the Enter key or, failing that, clicks on a link; the browser establishes a connection automatically. Next, using the protocol HTTPS, the server presents a certificate that authenticates it as a reliable supplier. Later, the user will be able to verify said authenticity and with it, will send a session key that will only be read by the server; without the interception of a third party.
What are the characteristics of the HTTPS protocol?
Given its operation, the main peculiarity of the famous HTTPS protocollies in that deals with creating a secure channel over an insecure network, basically. With this, it manages to provide protection against different types of attacks or threats, to ensure that the server is verified and trusted.
For its part, technically, the Secure Protocol for Hypertext Transfer contemplates the following characteristics of great interest:
- Employ an encryption based on SSL/TLS text security with the aim of creating a relevant encrypted channel for the traffic of sensitive information. Whereas, the level of encryption It will depend on the remote server and the browser used..
- Fortunately, its use does not require any additional software installation. As a consequence, it can be used by any user and without any restriction. Which inspires confidence in potential customers, due to the authentication it performs with a certificate.
- The protocol HTTPS It is also characterized by showing optimal integration with major web browserssuch as: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari and Internet Explorer.
- Generally, this security protocol is distinguished starting with a lock icon located on the right side of the address bar. In this way, it allows you to identify reliable web pages. Whereas, moreover, also includes the term “https” at the beginning of the URL.
- The content that is transmitted with HTTPS connections, cannot be cached. This, for some people can be advantageous and for others, a point against.
- In order to prepare a web server, in terms of configuration, so that support HTTPS connections; the administrator will have to create a public key certificate for the web server.
- A HTTPS protocol can be violated when applied to available post static content.
- In case an infiltrator or an unreliable person managed to capture the data transmitted from the HTTPS protocolyou too You will not be able to decrypt the information in question because it is fully encrypted.
How does HTTPS improve on the old HTTP protocol for the Internet?
The old HTTP It consists of a protocol that allows a request for data and resources to be made, so is considered the basis of any data exchange on the web. However, over time, it has been pointed out as a very easy protocol to violate because it simplifies, for all those insiders, the capture of data that is being transmitted. As a consequence, the HTTPS protocol was created with the aim of change the functionality of the HTTP protocol and provide greater security.
Since, the Secure Protocol for the Hypertext Transfer makes use of an encryption in which infiltrators they can’t decipher the information, even if they can capture the transmission of it. Well, remains fully encrypted. Therefore, the main difference between HTTP and HTTPS protocol, lies in the security they provide. Taking into account that the latter uses the same technology as the old HTTP, but includes SSL encryption.
In addition to this, the following distinctions are observed:
- in the protocol http the directions url start with “http://”. While in the HTTPS, these links start with “https://”.
- Generally, the protocol http uses port 80, by omission. Instead, the HTTPS use port 443.
- Unlike http that is subject to man-in-the-middle and eavesdropping attacks, thereby allowing malicious individuals to gain access to website accounts, banks, and confidential information; the HTTPS is designed for withstand and resist such attacksso it is more secure.
- Regularly, the HTTP operates at the highest layer of the OSI Model.. However, the protocol HTTPS operates at a lower sublayer to ensure encryption of an HTTP message prior to transmission and decrypt the data, once received.
HTTPS network layers What are they and how does this protocol work?
In case you didn’t know, the data sent via an HTTPS protocol are secured thanks to a protocol known as “Transport Layer Security” either “TLS” which, by default, provides three primary layers of protection and thus, determines the operation of the protocol HTTPS improved.
These layers of network protection are the following:
encryption
In general, whenever a computer issues a message from the web browser to the web server, there is a chance that the information is captured by someone who is trying to intercept the communication channelin order to spy on all traffic.
However, the protocol HTTPS takes care of encrypts exchange data and keeps it safe from prying eyes. Thanks to this, while the user is browsing a website, no other person will be able to spy on their movements or track their activities with the aim of usurping their confidential information. Rather, communication with the web server will be made effective securely from end-to-end encryption.
Integrity
Just as there are security risks with which data can be lost, it is also possible that the message transmitted from the web browser to the server be captured in order to change the information in it. Therefore, once modified, it will be sent to the recipient and thus, will affect the integrity of the issuer.
But luckily the protocol HTTPS takes care of guaranteeing the integrity of the data so that cannot be damaged or modified during the transfer process, regardless of whether it was intentional or not. This means that, under any circumstances, the message will reach the recipient exactly as it was sent, without risk of reducing its integrity.
Authentication
The protocol HTTPS also provides a high level of authentication., so that it manages to protect users against different attacks. Thus, it builds people’s trust by providing web pages that be completely authentic.
Which, has been previously verified, knowing the identity of the person who sent the message through the use of a digital signature. For its part, it should be noted that this advantage is achieved through SSL certificates, with which you can affirm that you are connected to the right place. Taking into account that, by default, a ssl certificate he is in charge of show web browser is valid and that it has been submitted by a legal certification authority.
Protocol Limitations What are the weaknesses of HTTPS?
Despite the enhanced HTTPS protocol has many benefits to users, the truth is that they also has some points against which is worth taking into account.
Therefore, below, we name the main limitations or disadvantages of HTTPS:
- By default, the level of protection depends on the correctness of the web browser’s implementation and the encryption algorithms supported. Therefore, not being independently, could present certain gaps in terms of privacy.
- From HTTPS connections, unable to cache content. Which is unfavorable for various users.
- It has been shown that, HTTPS protocol exhibits vulnerability once applied to available post static content. Which facilitates untrustworthy actions by untrustworthy users seeking access to plaintext and ciphertext. This is used for a cryptographic attack.
- another weak point lies in lower performanceas a result of the use of SSL encryption. Since, by nature, the server will have to make numerous calculations and with this, the waiting time to respond increases.
- Unfortunately, virtual hosts do not work with HTTPS protocol. Well, the servers SSL only succeed in presenting a certificate, strictly speaking, for a combination of Port/IP in particular.
- Additional charges for certificates they can be distinctly tall and, besides, it reveals increasing costs due to the increase in traffic. Thus, fees can be very high on new and small websitesmore than anything.
HTTPS security Is it really as secure as it says?
Despite the fact that the HTTPS protocol guarantees encryption in data transmission, it’s actually not as safe as it seems. Well, with the different threats that currently operate on the network, the security symbol of said protocol cannot guarantee that a web page is protected in its entirety. Whereas, at this time, malicious sites…
Facebook Comments
Disqus