Network Protocols (Cambridge International IGCSE Computer Science)

HTTP & HTTPS

Spec point — 5.1.3 · "3 Describe the purpose and operation of hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) and hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS)"

HTTP & HTTPS

What is HTTP & HTTPS?

Exam Hint Cambridge IGCSE 0478 expects you to explain the difference between HTTP and HTTPS, including the role of encryption in protecting sensitive data. This page covers only what you need to know to get the marks.

• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) allows communication between clients and servers for website viewing
• HTTP & HTTPS are protocols, a set of rules governing communication between devices on a network
• HTTP allows clients to receive data from the server (fetching a webpage) and send data to the server (submitting a form, uploading a file)
• HTTPS works in the same way as HTTP but with an added layer of security
• All data sent and received using HTTPS is encrypted
• HTTPS is used to protect sensitive information such as passwords, financial information and personal data

Exam Hint A common 2-mark question is:

“Describe one difference between HTTP and HTTPS.”

To get both marks, say:

“HTTPS encrypts the data being transmitted to keep it secure, unlike HTTP.”