Why is HTTPS considered secure?

HTTPS is considered secure primarily because it includes the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), or its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS). These protocols provide a secure channel over an insecure network, such as the internet. When a user connects to a website using HTTPS, SSL/TLS establishes an encrypted link between the user's browser and the web server. This encryption ensures that any data exchanged between the two parties is protected from eavesdropping, tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Additionally, SSL/TLS includes mechanisms for authentication, which helps verify the identity of the website being accessed. This means users can confidently connect to legitimate websites, knowing that the information transmitted, such as passwords or payment details, remains confidential and secure.

While elements such as TCP management, data encryption, and identity verification are integral to secure communication, it is the utilization of SSL/TLS that fundamentally establishes the security framework of HTTPS. This is why the reference to SSL in the context of HTTPS is central to understanding its security features.