Technical Terms: HTTP, HTTPS, SSL, TLS and Certificate

When you are browsing web pages you are using either HTTP or HTTPS. The latter is the more secure way to view websites. HTTPS uses TLS and certificates to insure security, privacy and integrity.

Comments: 5 Responses to “Technical Terms: HTTP, HTTPS, SSL, TLS and Certificate”

    Robert Hutchison
    6 years ago

    Hi Garry, great video, thank you. I always wondered what the padlock meant when I went to a website, my question is how does it make it secure? I’m not sure I understood about the certificate, I’ve had it come up on my Mac and iPad in the past saying this certificate isn’t valid, or something similar. Thank you,
    Robert.

    6 years ago

    Robert: Simplified version: The website encrypts its data and sends it to your browser. Your browser identifies where the certificate for that encryption lies (with a trusted company) and fetches it. It uses this certificate to decrypt it for you. Same in reverse. It only works because your browser and the site both use and trust a third-party company with that certificate.
    Think of it like this: If you buy something from a stranger on eBay, it is risky right? But what if you buy something from a person and it happens that you both have a good friend in common, one you both trust? The friend is common is the certificate company, you are the browser, and the stranger is the server.

    Fran
    6 years ago

    Would like more instructional videos on certificates how to get a certificate when you are sending emails.

    Robert Hutchison
    6 years ago

    Hi Garrry,
    Thank you very much. I understand how it works now.

    6 years ago

    Fran: Can you explain what you are trying to do? Maybe ask that in the forum, not here. Certificates are for websites in this context. So what is it you are trying to do with certificates in email? Are you trying to send encrypted email for some reason?

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