Important - http vs https

[muggle not]

The Difference Between http and https

Maybe you already knew this but I thought it was important enough to post even if you already know.

FIRST, MANY PEOPLE ARE UNAWARE OF The main difference between http:// and https://.

It's all about keeping you secure - HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transport Protocol. The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure". If you visit a website or webpage, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://. This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site.

This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an http website! But if the web address begins with https:// that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on. You understand why this is so important, right?

If a website ever asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://. If it doesn't, there's no way you're going to enter sensitive information like a credit card number.

PASS IT ON (You may save someone a lot of grief).

You can check this by visiting WikiAnswers....:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Whats_the_difference_between_HTTP_and_HTTPS

 

[Magnethead]

I'll add onto that- SSL Certificates- Secure Socket Layer. Basicall, this is either 64 or 128 bit encryption of any information on the page, as needed. It is often used with or in place of HTTPS. Absolutely never enter private information without a valid SSL certificate.

 

[Professur]

I believe some browsers show a small padlock in the bottom right corner for secured sites. Not to be totally trusted, since a spoofed site can be totally secure and still not be trustworthy.