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What is HTTPS?

HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is the encrypted version of HTTP used to transmit data between a web browser and a server. The “S” stands for secure, and it signals that the connection is protected using TLS (Transport Layer Security), a cryptographic protocol that encrypts data in transit so it cannot easily be intercepted or read by third parties. 

When you visit a site using HTTPS, your browser and the server complete a handshake process that establishes a secure, authenticated connection before any data is exchanged. This protects sensitive information like passwords, payment details, and personal data from exposure during transmission. 

You can identify an HTTPS connection by the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. Most modern websites use HTTPS by default, and browsers now flag HTTP-only sites as “not secure.”

HTTPS is now the baseline standard for secure browsing, and tools like a VPN can add another layer of protection by encrypting traffic beyond what HTTPS alone covers.