HTTPS (HTTP Secure) uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt web traffic. It provides: confidentiality (data is encrypted), integrity (data cannot be modified), and authentication (server identity is verified via certificates). How it works: TLS handshake establishes encrypted connection using asymmetric cryptography, then symmetric encryption handles data transfer. Certificates are issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs) - Let's Encrypt provides free certificates. Modern best practices: use TLS 1.3, enable HSTS (force HTTPS), use strong cipher suites. HTTPS is now required for many browser features and is a ranking signal for search engines. Essential for any production website.
🔒 Security beginner
HTTPS/TLS
Secure communication protocol that encrypts data between browsers and servers using TLS certificates.
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Compact, URL-safe token format for securely transmitting information between parties as a JSON object.