What are the steps in HTTPS?

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) ensures secure communication over a computer network, typically the internet. It employs encryption to protect data integrity and privacy. Here are the steps involved:

HTTPS works by establishing a secure connection between a client (e.g., a web browser) and a server (e.g., a website). The process includes the following steps:

1. Client Hello: The client initiates the connection by sending a “Client Hello” message to the server, specifying supported cryptographic algorithms and other parameters.
2. Server Hello: The server responds with a “Server Hello” message, confirming the chosen encryption algorithm and providing its digital certificate.
3. Authentication: The client verifies the server’s certificate for authenticity. This involves checking if the certificate is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) and if the server’s domain matches the information in the certificate.
4. Session Keys: Once authenticated, the client and server agree on session keys using asymmetric encryption (e.g., RSA) for secure data exchange.
5. Secure Connection: With session keys established, all further communication between the client and server, including HTTP requests and responses, is encrypted using symmetric encryption (e.g., AES).
6. Data Transfer: The client sends an encrypted HTTP request to the server. The server decrypts the request using the shared session keys, processes it, and sends an encrypted HTTP response back to the client.
7. Session Closure: Upon completion of the communication, either party can initiate the closure of the secure session, ensuring data security throughout the process.

HTTPS comprises several stages to ensure secure data transmission:

1. Handshake: Establishes a secure connection between client and server.
2. Encryption: Protects data integrity and confidentiality using encryption algorithms.
3. Authentication: Verifies the identities of communicating parties through digital certificates and Certificate Authorities (CAs).
4. Data Exchange: Facilitates secure exchange of HTTP data between client and server.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a predecessor to TLS (Transport Layer Security) and refers to the cryptographic protocol that secures communication over a network. The steps involved in SSL include:

1. Handshake: Initiates communication between client and server.
2. Authentication: Verifies the server’s identity using digital certificates.
3. Session Key Exchange: Generates session keys for encrypting data.
4. Data Transfer: Facilitates secure data exchange between client and server.
5. Session Closure: Terminates the SSL connection after data exchange completes.

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS differ primarily in their security mechanisms:

• HTTP: Transfers data in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception and modification.
• HTTPS: Encrypts data using SSL/TLS protocols, ensuring secure and private communication between client and server.