How HTTPS works: 10 key features

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HTTPS Protocol: Fundamentals and Evolution

Origins of HTTPS and its relationship with HTTP

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TCP/IP Protocol: The Backbone of the Internet in 10 Steps

Essential components of the HTTPS protocol

1. HTTP: The base protocol for hypertext transfer.
2. SSL / TLS: The data layer.
3. Digital certificates: Electronic documents that verify the identity of the website.
4. Certification Authorities (CA): Trusted entities that issue and verify certificates.

The HTTPS Handshake Process: Establishing a Secure Connection

Phases of the TLS handshake

1. CustomerHello: The client (browser) initiates the process by sending a message that includes the TLS version it supports, a list of cryptographic suites, and a random number.
2. ServerHello: The server responds by selecting the TLS version and cryptographic suite to use, and sends its own random number.
3. Certificate: The server sends its digital certificate so that the client can verify its identity.
4. ServerKeyExchange: If necessary, the server sends additional information for the key exchange.
5. ServerHelloDone: The server indicates that it has completed its initial part of the handshake.
6. ClientKeyExchange: The client generates a "pre-master secret" and sends it encrypted to the server.
7. ChangeCipherSpec: Both parties indicate that they will switch to the agreed encrypted connection.
8. Finished: Verification messages are sent to confirm that the handshake has been completed successfully.

SSL/TLS Certificates: The Heart of HTTPS Authentication

Types of SSL certificates and their validation

1. Domain Validation (DV) Certificates: These are the most basic and easiest to obtain. They only verify that the applicant has control over the domain.
2. Organization Validation (OV) Certificates: They require additional verification of the requesting organization, providing more confidence.
3. Extended Validation (EV) Certificates: They offer the highest level of trust, with exhaustive verification of the requesting entity.

Certification Authorities and their role in the HTTPS ecosystem

• Identity checks: CAs perform checks to ensure that the certificate requester is who they claim to be.
• Issuance of certificates: Once the identity is verified, the CA issues the digital certificate.
• Maintaining revocation lists: CAs maintain lists of certificates that have been revoked for various reasons.
• Updating certificates: They manage the renewal of expired or soon-to-expire certificates.

Advantages of the HTTPS protocol for users and web owners

Improving data privacy and security

1. Confidentiality: The transmitted data is encrypted, which means that even if someone intercepts the communication, they will not be able to read its contents.
2. Integrity: HTTPS ensures that data has not been modified in transit. Any alteration would be detected.
3. Authentication: Users can be assured that they are communicating with the legitimate website and not an impostor.

Positive impact on SEO and user trust

1. Better search engine positioningGoogle has confirmed that SEO benefits sites using HTTPS, improving visibility in search results.
2. Increased user confidenceModern browsers mark HTTP sites as “not secure,” which can deter visitors. HTTPS, on the other hand, displays a green padlock that inspires trust.
3. More precise analytics: HTTPS allows for better collection of referrer data, as referrer information is preserved when moving from one secure site to another.
4. Compatibility with new technologiesMany modern web features, such as service workers and the geolocation API, require HTTPS to work.

HTTP vs HTTPS: A detailed comparison

Differences in security, performance and compatibility

1. Security:
   • HTTP: Data is transmitted in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception and manipulation.
   • HTTPS: Data is encrypted, protecting sensitive information from prying eyes.
2. Authentication:
   • HTTP: Does not provide website authentication.
   • HTTPS: Uses SSL/TLS certificates to verify the identity of the website.
3. data integrity:
   • HTTP: Does not guarantee the integrity of the transmitted data.
   • HTTPS: Detects any alteration of data during transmission.
4. Unlimited:
   • HTTP: Generally faster due to lack of encryption.
   • HTTPS: Slightly slower due to the encryption process, although with modern optimizations, the difference is almost imperceptible.
5. Compatibility:
   • HTTP: Compatible with all browsers and servers.
   • HTTPS: Requires SSL/TLS certificates and additional server configuration, but is widely supported by modern browsers.

Why migrate from HTTP to HTTPS?

1. User data protectionIn a world where data breaches are becoming more common, HTTPS provides an additional layer of security.
2. customer trust: Users are increasingly aware of online security. An HTTPS site inspires more confidence.
3. SEO improvement: As we mentioned above, Google favors HTTPS sites in its search rankings.
4. Normative compliance: Many privacy regulations, such as the GDPR, require or strongly recommend the use of HTTPS.
5. Access to new technologies: Some advanced web features are only available on HTTPS sites.
6. Attack Prevention: HTTPS helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and other forms of cyberattacks.

Implementing HTTPS protocol on websites

Steps to obtain and install an SSL certificate

1. Choosing the type of certificate: Decide what type of SSL certificate you need (DV, OV, EV) based on your security needs and budget.
2. Selecting a Certification Authority (CA): Choose a reliable CA. Some popular options include Windows Server y Apache to manage certificates on your server.
3. Generating a CSR (Certificate Signing Request): This step is performed on your web server and generates a private key along with the CSR.
4. Domain validation: The CA will verify that you have control over the domain for which you are requesting the certificate.
5. Issuance of the certificate: Once validation is complete, the CA will issue your SSL certificate.
6. Installing the certificate: Install the certificate on your web server. This process varies depending on the server you are using (Apache, Nginx, IIS, etc.).

Configuring the web server for HTTPS

1. Enable HTTPS: Configure your server to listen on port 443 (the standard port for HTTPS).
2. Setting up redirects: Set up HTTP to HTTPS redirects to ensure all traffic uses the secure version of your site.
3. Implement HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security): This policy informs browsers that your site should only be accessed via HTTPS.
4. Update internal links: Make sure all links within your site point to HTTPS URLs.
5. Configure Content Security Policy (CSP): This additional HTTP header helps prevent content injection attacks.
6. Optimize performance: Uses techniques such as OCSP stapling and summarized TLS sessions to improve the performance of HTTPS connections.

Please note that the exact implementation may vary depending on your hosting platform and web server. Many hosting providers offer automated tools to simplify this process.

Practical examples of the HTTPS protocol in action

Common use cases in e-commerce and online banking

1. Online storesImagine you're shopping at your favorite online store. When you reach the checkout process, you'll notice the lock icon in the address bar. This indicates that HTTPS is active, ensuring your credit card information and shipping address are transmitted securely. For example, when making a purchase on Amazon, you'll see the URL change to "https://www.amazon.es" and the lock icon appear, ensuring your data is protected.
2. On line bankWhen you access your bank account online, HTTPS plays a crucial role. Not only does it protect your username and password during login, but it also secures all your transactions. For example, if you visit a bank website like https://www.bbva.es, you'll see a green padlock and "https" in the URL, indicating a secure connection for all your banking transactions.

HTTPS in mobile applications and APIs

1. Mobile apps: Even though you can't see the address bar in a mobile app, HTTPS is still essential. For example, when you use a messaging app like WhatsApp, HTTPS ensures that your messages and calls are protected end-to-end.
2. APIsAPIs (Application Programming Interfaces) often handle sensitive data between servers and applications. For example, when a fitness app syncs your workout data to the cloud, it uses HTTPS to protect your personal information. A specific example would be the Twitter API, which requires HTTPS for all requests, ensuring secure interactions between third-party applications and Twitter.