Port 80 (HTTP) vs. Port 443 (HTTPS): Understanding the Differences

When browsing the web, devices communicate with servers using network ports, with Port 80 and Port 443 being two of the most critical. Port 80 is the unencrypted web standard, while Port 443 is the secure, encrypted version that protects data. Google and browsers now prioritize HTTPS, and understanding the differences between these ports can help improve security, SEO, and user trust. Port 80 is the default gateway for HTTP, but it has risks such as no encryption, man-in-the-middle attacks, and browser warnings. Port 443, on the other hand, is the secure alternative, enabling HTTPS with encryption, SEO boost, and trust indicators. The key differences between Port 80 and Port 443 include encryption, SEO and browser trust, and performance. Using HTTPS is now mandatory for security, SEO, and user trust, and switching from HTTP to HTTPS involves getting an SSL certificate, installing it, forcing HTTPS redirect, and testing the setup. While HTTP may still work for internal systems, modern websites must use HTTPS to avoid penalties, warnings, and vulnerabilities.