Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)

• It is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and the website that you are connected with. The 'S' at the end of HTTPS stands for 'Secure'. Therefore, all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted.
• Also known as ‘HTTP over SSL’, ‘HTTP Secure’, or ‘HTTP over Transport Layer Security’.

Reasons for using HTTPS:

• Privacy
• Integrity
• Identification.

1. Privacy

   It means that no one can eavesdrop on your messages.

   When server send a message to browser which is not encrypted, i.e. you browse to a website without HTTPS, someone could be eavesdropping on your password or private information.

   The green padlock on the URL bar of your browser tells you that there is no one watching over your message/data.

2. Integrity

   It means that the message is not manipulated on the way to its
   destination.

   When the message is not encrypted - before it reaches to the client, someone can intercept the message.

   This is often called a man-in-the-middle attack. The green padlock make sure that your communication is not being tampered with.

3. Identification

   It means that you can check that this message is coming from the real server/source.

   A digital signature attached to a message can identify the sender.

   When you are browsing the web, identification means that the site that you are visiting is indeed the one you think it is.

   HTTPS, via SSL certificates, ensures you are connected exactly with the receiver you would expect.

   This SSL certificate is valid and has been issued by a legitimate Certificate Authority.

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The article gives a short explanation regarding the purpose of https.