When you browse the web, your device sends and receives data that can travel across many networks. If this information is not protected, anyone with access to these networks could potentially read, modify, or steal it. Unencrypted web traffic exposes you to several risks, including eavesdropping, where attackers intercept sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers; man-in-the-middle attacks, which let attackers change the data before it reaches its destination; and identity theft, where personal details are stolen for malicious purposes. Because of these threats, secure communication is essential whenever personal or confidential data is involved.

HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, builds on HTTP by adding encryption. This means that when you use HTTPS, the data sent between your browser and the server is scrambled so that only the intended recipient can read it. Encryption protects your information from being intercepted or altered while in transit. As the comparison table above shows, HTTPS uses port 443 and secures your data, making it the preferred choice for handling sensitive information like passwords, payments, and private communications. By using HTTPS, websites help ensure that your data remains confidential and trustworthy as it travels across the internet.