When UNDIRA friends open a website, besides seeing the various contents displayed on the page, you may also notice prefixes that often appear in the search bar or directly in the website address, such as https:// or http:// followed by the website name. These prefixes actually play an important role in the development and management of a website.

HTTP and HTTPS are sets of protocols implemented in application and website networks that are responsible for transmitting and distributing data. Today, almost every website, whether small or large, uses at least one of these two protocols. Without HTTP or HTTPS, a website would not be able to communicate data to its users.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is basically a network protocol that works by distributing data in the form of plain text according to the website client’s requests. The plain text is then structured using HTML and CSS to create a cleaner and more professional appearance.

However, the main weakness of HTTP lies in its lack of encryption and security on the port 80 connection it uses, making it more vulnerable to cyberattacks. HTTP-based data transfer methods are generally found on older websites that mainly rely on text-based communication.

On the other hand, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) was developed as an improved version of HTTP to enhance the security of internet data communication. HTTPS uses port 443 and implements security mechanisms through SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security).

This technology provides data encryption, ensuring that the exchange of information between the user’s web browser and the server becomes much more secure. With encryption in place, transmitted data can be protected from eavesdropping, data manipulation, and various other cyber threats. Therefore, websites using HTTPS offer a higher level of security compared to those still relying on HTTP.

Today, the use of HTTPS has become a standard requirement for modern websites. In addition to providing secure data exchange between users and servers, HTTPS also contributes to improving a website’s quality and credibility in search engines. Search engine algorithms such as Google tend to prioritize websites using HTTPS over HTTP because they are considered safer and more trustworthy. Therefore, implementing HTTPS is not only important from a security perspective, but also supports SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and increases user trust in a website.

Through these differences, we can understand that HTTP and HTTPS are not merely prefixes in a website address, but essential components in building reliable network systems and digital security. In today’s era of digital transformation, understanding network protocols, server security, and data transmission mechanisms has become a highly valuable skill across various sectors of the information technology industry.

For UNDIRA friends who are interested in exploring computer networks, cybersecurity, and modern internet infrastructure, the Informatics Engineering Study Program at Dian Nusantara University (UNDIRA), especially the Network Engineering concentration, can be the right place to develop these competencies. Through learning that focuses on network management, servers, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, students not only gain theoretical understanding but are also equipped with practical skills relevant to the needs of today’s digital industry.

Ultimately, the advancement of internet technology does not only require active users, but also digital talents who are capable of building, securing, and managing network systems professionally in order to create a technological ecosystem that is safe, fast, and reliable.