| HTTP. We’ve all seen these letters in our web browsers when we type in an address or click on a link to a website. But what do these letters actually mean? HTTP stands for hypertext Transport Protocol. Basically this is the language that computers use to pass data between web servers. A protocol is a set of rules and procedures that computers must follow in order to receive and transmit messages, and it defines how computers communicate with each other. This is an ‘unsecured’ language.
Now, what if we see the letters HTTPS in our browser? The “S” at the end indicates that the pages have been encrypted and are “Secure”. So why is this important? Most of us do, or at one time have sent personal information to a person or company over the Internet. Maybe it’s a credit card number, social security number, or just a name and address that is being sent. Do we want anyone out there in cyberspace to be able to retrieve our personal information? Absolutely not! The use of HTTPS protects against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Suppose you’re on a website getting ready to purchase some new chrome for your Wing. Take a look at your web browser and see if it has the HTTP. Okay, now you’re ready to order and you click on the purchase button or checkout button. You should see the HTTP change to HTTPS in the browser. If you don’t see the “S” after the HTTP, do not enter your personal information. It will not be secure. It used to be we were told to look for the little lock at the bottom of the page. That lock would indicate that the site was secure. Today, many websites do not have that lock or indication that it is secure. One way to be sure is to look for the HTTPS. Now, go ahead, have fun and purchase that chrome, securely! |
