The difference between HTTP and HTTPS

A survey published by the National Library of Medicine titled, Assessment of internet use and effects among healthcare professionals showed that “about 23%–31% of the healthcare professionals report >80% interaction with web-informed patients in their daily practice.” As healthcare professionals increasingly rely on online systems to secure their patients' confidential data, they must understand the fundamental technologies that ensure information safety. Two key protocols that regulate data transmission over the web are HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure). 

What is HTTP?

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is an application layer protocol for transferring data between networked devices. The World Wide Web relies on HTTP to facilitate data transmission between a client (e.g., a web browser) and a server. Essentially, anytime you enter a URL into your browser, it's using HTTP to retrieve and display the desired webpage. Despite this convenience, however, there's an inherent security flaw with this method: because HTTP transmits information in plain text format, unauthorized third parties could potentially hijack sensitive information being sent across either end of communication channels without detection at any point during transfer processes, making it vulnerable to interception by potential hackers and compromising confidentiality alike.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS, or HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, is an extension of HTTP that adds a layer of security. It uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security), to encrypt data exchanged between the client and the server. This encryption ensures that even if the data is intercepted, it cannot be read or tampered with by unauthorized individuals. HTTPS is represented by the "https://" prefix in a web address and is often indicated by a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.

Key differences between HTTP and HTTPS

Security

• HTTP: Transmits data in plaintext, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and interception.
• HTTPS: Encrypts data using SSL/TLS, ensuring that information remains confidential and secure during transmission.

URL prefix

• HTTP: URLs begin with "http://".
• HTTPS: URLs begin with "https://".

Data integrity

• HTTP: Does not provide mechanisms to ensure that data has not been altered during transmission.
• HTTPS: Ensures data integrity by detecting any changes to the data during transmission and terminating the connection if tampering is detected.

Authentication

• HTTP: Does not authenticate the server, leaving users vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.
• HTTPS: Authenticates the server using SSL/TLS certificates, ensuring that users are communicating with the legitimate website.

Performance

• HTTP: Generally faster as it does not involve the overhead of encryption and decryption processes.
• HTTPS: Slightly slower due to the encryption and decryption processes, although advancements in technology have minimized this performance difference.

SEO advantage

• HTTP: Does not provide any SEO advantage.
• HTTPS: Search engines like Google give preference to HTTPS websites, improving their search rankings.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

The importance of HTTPS in healthcare

In the healthcare sector, the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patient data are crucial. Here’s why HTTPS is essential for healthcare specialists:

• Protection of patient data: Healthcare providers handle sensitive patient information, including medical records, personal identification, and payment details. HTTPS ensures this information is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access during transmission.
• Compliance with regulations: Regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States mandate the protection of electronic patient health information (ePHI). Using HTTPS helps healthcare organizations comply with these regulatory requirements by providing a secure transmission channel.
• Building patient trust: Patients are increasingly aware of online security risks. By implementing HTTPS, healthcare providers can demonstrate their commitment to protecting patient information, thereby building trust and confidence in their services.
• Preventing cyberattacks: Cyberattacks, including data breaches and man-in-the-middle attacks, pose significant threats to healthcare organizations. HTTPS helps mitigate these risks by securing data in transit and verifying the authenticity of websites.
• Improving search engine rankings: As search engines prioritize secure websites, using HTTPS can improve the visibility of healthcare websites in search results, making it easier for patients to find reliable healthcare information and services.

FAQs

What is the difference between SSL and TLS?

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is the original encryption protocol developed for securing web communications. Transport Layer Security (TLS) is its successor, offering improved security and performance. While SSL is still commonly referred to, TLS is the modern standard for encryption.

How does HTTPS help with compliance in healthcare?

HTTPS helps meet data protection regulations like HIPAA by ensuring that ePHI is securely transmitted, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

Can HTTPS protect against all types of cyberattacks?

While HTTPS significantly improves security by encrypting data and verifying the identity of websites, it cannot protect against all types of cyber attacks. It is part of a broader security strategy that should include firewalls, anti-malware software, intrusion detection systems, and regular security training.

Read more: Cyberattacks on the healthcare sector