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HTTPS

computer science
Also known as: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure

Quick Summary

HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is a secure version of HTTP, a protocol used for exchanging files on the World Wide Web. HTTP acts as the communication standard for transferring data, like HTML files, between web browsers (clients) and web servers.123

HTTPS adds a layer of encryption to HTTP, typically using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, to provide security for the data transmitted between a browser and a server. This encryption ensures that information exchanged, such as when making online purchases, remains private and protected from unauthorized access. Websites use digital certificates, issued by certification authorities, to authenticate their identity and enable secure HTTPS connections.12

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