How Secure Is HTTPS? A Primer on a Protocol That Protects Much of the Web
With the widespread use of the internet, the protection of personal information and sensitive data has become a major concern. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is of particular importance as a protocol that ensures the security of communication on the internet. Here are the security measures HTTPS provides and the advantages it offers to internet users.
HTTPS and Layered Security
HTTPS is not a simple structure consisting of a single piece. HTTPS is like a system, and there are various parts that make up HTTPS. In order for the system created by more than one part to act in a certain order, the parts that make up that system must also be safe.
In today’s world, communication is the focal point where security is most needed. The foundation of this world is built upon the TCP/IP protocol. But when it comes to security, theTCP/IP protocol suitehas started to fall short.
Although attempts have been made to address these shortcomings with new protocols, there remains a fundamental problem that can impact the entire system. For example, in order to deem an application operating over HTTPS as secure, it is essential to have a good understanding of the layers comprising the system and to assess the security vulnerabilities present within those layers.
Four additional protocols come into play for the HTTPS connection to take place. These are the SSL/TLS, TCP, IP and ARP layers. For now, you can ignore how they work. What you need to focus on is that no matter how secure HTTPS is, a vulnerability in other protocols will affect HTTPS. So is HTTPS insecure in this case?
Is HTTPS Actually Secure?
Banks, online shopping sites, and various institutions usually use 128-bit encryption methods. Although 128-bit encryption is reliable in today’s standards, this method alone is not enough. Along with encryption, other infrastructures also need to be secure.
The first and most important attack type SSL is faced with is Man-in-the-Middle attacks. In MITM-type attacks, the attacker places himself between the victim client and the server, aiming to listen and manipulate traffic.
The attacker intervening with MITM in HTTP connectionsgenerates a fake certificate, which generates an error in the user’s browser because the certificate is not signed by a valid CA. In the past, it was possible to bypass browser warnings easily. But nowadays, the SSL incompatibility warnings given by the browsers are really intimidating.
The most obvious example of this is the warnings of modern browsers that the site you want to login to may be insecure due to SSL certificate incompatibility. These warnings often cause conscious users who log in to the site to leave the site.
Are there any other vulnerabilities that can make HTTPS insecure for the user?
The Relationship Between SSL and HTTP
The vast majority of websitesuse SSL (HTTPS) for security purposes. But today, most systems with SSL use HTTP and HTTPS together. You access a web page first over HTTP. After that, HTTPS works on links that will contain sensitive information.
Companies don’t just use HTTPS. This is because SSL requires additional capacity on the server side. In addition, if you assume that the session information is mostly carried over cookies in HTTP, and if the developers on the server side did not add the secure feature to the cookies, someone who can listen to the traffic can access the systems on your behalf through cookies without the need for account information.
The secure feature of cookies helps to transfer cookies only over a secure connection. Therefore, it is an issue that should be paid attention especially by those who develop from the server side.
How Can You Be Protected?
When you enter a website, be sure to check the URL. It will not be enough to see that the URL you entered starts with HTTPS. At the same time, anyone can write their own SSL certificate. You should also check the SSL certificate that the website uses. To discover more about the certificate, simply move your cursor to the lock icon in the address bar and click it.
Also, always be skeptical when giving your personal and bank information to websites. No one wants to face irreversible results. Be sure to keep your latest software up-to-date and always continue to educate yourself on cybersecurity awareness.
You might be aware that HTTPS is an improvement on HTTP, but how exactly, and why should you be using it?
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