HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP. Its purpose is to encrypt the communication between a user's web browser and the web server. This ensures that any data transmitted, such as passwords, credit card details, or personal information, is protected from being intercepted and read by third parties (eavesdropping).
HTTPS stands for **Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure**. It is an extension of the standard HTTP protocol used for communication over the internet.
The primary purpose of HTTPS is to provide a **secure and encrypted connection** between a client (your web browser) and a server (the website).
It achieves this by using an encryption protocol, usually TLS (Transport Layer Security) or its predecessor SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This encryption ensures:
1. **Confidentiality:** It scrambles the data being sent, so if a hacker intercepts the communication, they cannot read the information. This is crucial for protecting sensitive data like login credentials, bank details, and personal messages.
2. **Integrity:** It ensures that the data has not been altered or corrupted during transmission.
3. **Authentication:** It verifies that you are communicating with the legitimate website and not an imposter.
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