What is HTTP? What is HTTPS? What Are the Differences?

The language that enables devices to communicate with each other in the digital realm consists of a set of rules. Far from being random, this set of rules is made up of standards that every internet-connected device must follow. This set of standards and rules is called a protocol. The primary function of internet protocols is to define how communication between devices begins, what information will be transmitted, how, and in what order. Among hundreds of protocols such as FTP, SMTP, DNS, IMAP, POP3, TCP/IP, and SSH, two of the most commonly encountered in everyday life are HTTP and HTTPS. In this article, you will find all the details about what HTTP is, how it works, what the differences are, and what to consider during the transition process.

HTTP, short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is one of the internet protocols briefly mentioned above. Seen at the beginning of URLs in the browser address bar, HTTP represents much more than just the address of digital assets. The first documented version of this protocol, introduced by Ted Nelson in 1965, was released as HTTP V0.9 in 1991.

In other words, HTTP is a protocol that enables communication between a client—typically a browser—and a server. The answer to the question how does HTTP work begins when a user tries to access a website. At this point, the browser sends an HTTP request to the server, and the server responds by sending back the HTML, CSS, image, or video files that make up the website. This is how web pages appear on our screens. Naturally, all these processes happen within milliseconds. The key feature of HTTP is that it is a text-based and stateless protocol. This means each request is independent, and the server does not store information about previous requests. Below is a clear view of the request-response cycle between the browser and the server:

• The user types the address of the desired website into the browser.
• The browser queries DNS to find the IP address of the server.
• The browser sends a request using either the HTTP or HTTPS protocol.
• The server prepares the files corresponding to the request and sends them to the browser.
• The browser retrieves the files and displays the homepage of the website.

So, what is an HTTP Proxy? An HTTP Proxy is an intermediary server positioned between the client and the target server. It receives requests from the user, forwards them to the target server, and then returns the response to the user. HTTP proxies are commonly used to control internet traffic, speed up connections, enhance security solutions, or bypass access restrictions. Additionally, they are used in corporate networks to monitor which websites employees access.

After explaining what HTTP is and how it works, let’s move on to HTTPS. HTTPS, short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is the secured version of HTTP protected by security certificates. The term "secure" here indicates that the communication between the browser and the server is encrypted. This means that when a user visits a website, the data transmitted between the browser and the server cannot be read or altered by third parties. This security mechanism is provided by SSL/TLS certificates. It is therefore clear that HTTPS is critically important for websites processing sensitive data such as credit card details, passwords, or personal information. For this reason, banking sites, e-commerce platforms, and membership login pages all use HTTPS. Furthermore, search engines now give ranking advantages to sites using HTTPS. In summary, HTTPS not only improves security but is also essential for gaining user trust and boosting SEO performance.

Based on all this information, it is clear that the main difference between HTTP and HTTPS protocols is security. Although HTTP requires lower CPU and memory usage and handles fewer requests—reducing network congestion and speeding up handshakes between devices—it is not suitable for websites processing sensitive data today. Which protocol is more advantageous depends on the purpose of the site, as follows:

• HTTP: A simple and fast solution for small, static-content websites that do not collect user data. Examples include personal blogs or purely informational pages.
• HTTPS: Mandatory for websites that collect user data, process payments, use login systems, or operate in areas like e-commerce and banking. It also provides SEO advantages.

In summary, while HTTP may still be used for simple informational pages, HTTPS has become the standard protocol of the modern internet. Considering the security, user trust, and SEO advantages, HTTPS is the far more beneficial option.

In our article explaining what HTTP and HTTPS mean, we also address the relationship between HTTPS and SEO. Today, search engines—especially Google—prioritize user security. For this reason, websites using HTTPS gain ranking advantages over those using HTTP, as mentioned earlier.

In 2014, Google announced that it considers HTTPS usage as a "ranking signal." While this does not drastically change rankings on its own, it gives an edge to HTTPS-enabled websites when comparing two sites with similar content and quality. Moreover, the fact that Google Chrome shows a "Not Secure" warning for HTTP sites negatively affects user experience and click-through rates.

In short, HTTPS not only enhances data security but also significantly supports SEO performance, strengthens user trust, and contributes to increased organic traffic. Therefore, for modern websites, HTTPS is no longer an option but a necessity.

After answering the question what are HTTP and HTTPS, one of the most common concerns for website owners is the migration process. Switching from HTTP to HTTPS is not just about purchasing an SSL certificate. If the process is not managed properly, SEO performance, user experience, and site accessibility can be negatively impacted. First, a reliable SSL/TLS certificate must be obtained. Then, the entire URL structure of the site should be updated, and the necessary 301 redirects must be configured correctly. These redirects ensure that visitors arriving via HTTP are automatically directed to the HTTPS version without losing SEO authority.

In addition, all internal links (internal links, image paths, CSS, and JavaScript files) must be updated to support HTTPS. Otherwise, "mixed content" errors may occur, triggering browser security warnings. Moreover, tools such as Google Search Console and Google Analytics must be updated with the new HTTPS version.

Finally, after the HTTPS migration, page speed should be monitored, and regular tests should be conducted to fix any errors. A properly executed migration process enhances user trust and supports SEO performance.

Here are the steps to switch from HTTP to HTTPS, which is critical for SEO:

• First, choose the appropriate type of SSL certificate for your needs.
• Install the selected SSL certificate on your hosting account.
• Before installation, back up your website to create a secure copy.
• Update all internal links and the site map to use the HTTPS protocol.
• Update JavaScript files, third-party plugins, and the robots.txt file to the latest version.
• If applicable, update the SSL certificate on your Content Delivery Network (CDN).
• Implement 301 redirects for all pages and links to guide users and search engines to the correct version.
• Enable HSTS and OCSP stapling for additional security.

When using cloud systems, the HTTPS protocol plays a particularly critical role, as it ensures the security of your data in the cloud environment. During access to cloud servers, data storage systems, or SaaS applications, HTTPS encryption prevents unauthorized individuals from reading or altering your data.

For example, if you host your web application on a cloud server, HTTPS ensures the secure transmission of user data and the protection of payment transactions. Moreover, using HTTPS in cloud infrastructures requires regular management and renewal of SSL/TLS certificates to maintain a consistently secure connection.

In short, using HTTPS in cloud services is an essential standard for both data security and user trust. This ensures that your cloud-based applications operate securely, reliably, and with full accessibility.

You may also be interested in our article Methods to Protect Your Business Against Cyber Attacks.

Is HTTPS completely secure?

HTTPS encrypts data transmission between the browser and the server, preventing it from being read or altered by third parties. However, HTTPS alone does not solve all security issues. Server security, software updates, and user-side precautions are also important. In other words, while HTTPS greatly improves security, it does not provide a complete guarantee.

Is free SSL sufficient?

Free SSL certificates provide basic encryption and HTTPS functionality and are suitable for most small websites. However, for corporate sites, e-commerce platforms, or projects requiring high security, paid SSL certificates offer additional security, warranty, and support benefits.

Why do HTTP sites still exist?

Some HTTP sites still exist because small websites that do not collect user data often do not feel the need for HTTPS. Additionally, the HTTPS migration process requires technical knowledge and cost, which leads some site owners to delay it. However, the fact that modern browsers display a “Not Secure” warning on HTTP sites has been increasing HTTPS adoption significantly.

Is HTTPS alone enough for security?

No, HTTPS alone does not provide complete security. Website security also depends on factors such as updated software, strong encryption, server security, secure user management, and regular backups. HTTPS is a critical part of these measures, securing data transmission specifically.