Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Both are system for transmitting and receiving information across the internet.

While browsing your bank account online or credit card website, have you ever observed the web URL starts with https:// instead of http://?

Web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc. display https:// in the address bar as well as a padlock icon in the status bar (bottom of the page) to indicate that the webpage is secure.

If you don’t see these two indications on the webpage, which means your web browser is using the ‘unsecured’ language. In other words, it is possible that someone else can see your computer conversation with that website. Say, if you are filling a form and entering all information such as credit card number, social security no, etc. in that case someone else might see that information you send to the site. In short, it is a good idea to make sure that you see these two warning signs prior providing your sensitive information.