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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between SSL and HTTPS?

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The main difference between SSL and HTTPS lies in their functions and how they are used in securing online communications.

  • SSL (Secure Socket Layer): SSL is a cryptographic protocol that enables secure communications online by encrypting data sent between a user's browser and a server. It works on top of the HTTP protocol to provide security. SSL certificates are usually available to buy directly from your hosting provider or web developer, and they are used to encrypt information while it travels online.
  • HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure): HTTPS is a combination of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) with either SSL or its upgraded version, TLS (Transport Layer Security). HTTPS provides encrypted communications and a secure ID of a web server. It is the secure version of the HTTP protocol, and it is used by websites on web browsers to keep all data transferred with the protocol completely safe.

In summary, SSL is a protocol that encrypts data, while HTTPS is a secure version of the HTTP protocol that uses SSL/TLS to encrypt the communication between a server and a client. HTTPS uses a combination of technologies like HTTP and SSL/TLS together to perform encryption. Although SSL and HTTPS are related and often used together, they serve different functions in securing online communications.

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  • What is the Difference Between SSL and HTTPS?
  • Comparative Table: SSL vs HTTPS

    • Comparative Table: SSL vs HTTPS

    Here is a table comparing the differences between SSL and HTTPS:

    Feature SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
    Definition SSL is a security protocol that encrypts communication between a web server and a client, such as a web browser. HTTPS is a secure version of the HTTP protocol that uses SSL/TLS certificates to provide encrypted communication between a web server and a client.
    Purpose SSL was first introduced in the 1990s to create an encrypted connection between a client and a server, ensuring secure communication. HTTPS is the same protocol as HTTP but with the added security of SSL/TLS certificates, ensuring encrypted communication between a web server and a client.
    Evolution SSL has evolved into its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS), which is still used today to secure web communication. HTTPS is the use of SSL/TLS certificates with the HTTP protocol to provide a secure connection between a web server and a client.
    Authentication SSL certificates confirm the identity of the website owner and ensure user privacy. HTTPS requires an SSL/TLS certificate to create a secure connection between a web server and a client.
    Encryption SSL uses encryption to protect data transmitted between a web server and a client. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt data transmitted between a web server and a client, ensuring secure communication.

    In summary, SSL is a security protocol that encrypts communication between a web server and a client, while HTTPS is a secure version of the HTTP protocol that uses SSL/TLS certificates to provide encrypted communication between a web server and a client. The main difference between SSL and HTTPS is that SSL is a security protocol, and HTTPS is a protocol that uses SSL/TLS certificates for secure communication.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.