HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, a secure version of HTTP that encrypts data and verifies identity. Learn about the history, features, benefits and restrictions of HTTPS , and how it differs from HTTP. HTTPS is the secure variant of HTTP and is used to communicate between the user's browser and the website, ensuring that data transfer is encrypted for added security. HTTPS Note: Any website, especially those requiring login details, should use HTTPS . You can see a padlock icon in the URL bar, which means the page is secure. Your All-in-One Learning Portal: GeeksforGeeks is a comprehensive educational platform that empowers learners across domains-spanning computer science and programming, school education, upskilling, commerce, software tools, competitive exams, and more. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Key Points Hypertext transfer protocol secure ( HTTPS ) is the primary protocol used to send data between a web browser and a website. HTTPS is particularly important when users transmit sensitive data, such as by logging into a bank account, email service, or health insurance provider.