HTTPS vs. VPN: Why do you need a VPN if HTTPS is secure?
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HTTPS vs VPN – Which is the better choice of the two tools? Many people have asked us this question over and over again. The truth is that it really shouldn’t be a matter of choice because both technologies are important for online protection.
As such, you should use both of them when possible during your browsing sessions. There are a few areas where HTTPS disappoints you, which makes using a VPN a must at all times. Here, we are going to highlight what VPN and HTTPS are as well as what differentiates one from the other.
So let’s start:
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is used by browsers to communicate with web servers. It’s the newest and most secure version of HTTP, which uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption to protect the data shared between you and websites.
It also authenticates both parties to prevent the possibility of Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks. When you visit an HTTPS site, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or someone snooping on your traffic will only see what was connected to a particular website, not the pages you visited.
That’s why it’s important to confirm if the website you’re using is, let’s say, online shopping using HTTPS – your credit card information can be stolen if it doesn’t, after all! The easiest way to tell if a site is using HTTPS is to see if the URL starts with “https” and has a green padlock displayed next to it.
Difference Between HTTP vs HTTPS
An SSL/TLS certificate is the main difference between HTTP and HTTPS. So, HTTPS is basically HTTP but with added security. This means that HTTP connections are unprotected and allows cybercriminals, ISPs, and other entities to not only see the website you’re browsing, but what you’re doing there. On the other hand, HTTPS keeps you and your data safe through encryption.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is used to create an encrypted connection – also referred to as a tunnel – between your device and an unsecured network such as the Internet. Since all of your traffic goes through the VPN server instead of your ISP server, no one can know what you intend to do online.
From ISPs and government agencies to advertisers and businesses, all they can see is that you are connected to a VPN. Your real IP address is also hidden by another address, making it nearly impossible for your online activities to be traced back to you.
The ability to appear as if you are from a different country allows you to enjoy complete freedom on the Internet. By switching between VPN servers, you can change your IP address and access content and sites that are not available in your area.
Is Free VPN Safe?
You will find many free VPN services available in the market, but the vast majority of them are not safe to use. They record your data and sell it to third parties for profit, display annoying ads, offer weak or no encryption, and leak your real IP addresses, to name a few. For these reasons and more, it is best to stay away from free VPNs unless you are sure of their reliability.
& differences Similarities Between HTTPS and VPN
Now that you understand HTTPS and VPN better, let’s take a look at what makes them similar and what sets them apart:
- A VPN encrypts all communication from your device, while HTTPS only secures the connection between you and the website.
- HTTPS must be enabled on both the website you are visiting and your browser, while a VPN gives you complete control over your security.
- A VPN hides your actual identity and helps you bypass regional restrictions and censorship, unlike HTTPS.
- HTTPS encryption is generally weaker compared to the strong military grade encryption that a VPN provides.
- No HTTPS or VPNs will keep your device safe from malware or scams – it’s best to avoid this by being careful!
Why Is VPN necessary?
VPN and HTTPS are two different things, but their goal is the same: to make your online experience more secure. Therefore, VPN vs HTTPS makes no sense as they are not direct alternatives to each other.
While you can just use a VPN and avoid visiting HTTP sites altogether, it is best to stick with HTTPS-protected sites and use a VPN as well. Besides, this will greatly reduce the risk of your data being compromised.
Next, one must also take into account the fact that HTTPS does not help in accessing the Internet without any restrictions – it cannot be used to mask your identity with an anonymous IP address. In this scenario, a VPN is your best friend.
PureVPN – The Most Reliable VPN
If you are looking to buy a VPN service that is worth your time and money, PureVPN has you covered. We always stand behind you and take your online experience to the next level with:
- The fastest growing VPN with more than 2,000 servers and more than 300,000 IP addresses in 141 countries around the world.
- Easy-to-use VPN apps for all major desktop and mobile platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- A bunch of features like Split Tunneling, DNS Leak Protection, Internet Kill Switch and WebRTC Leak Protection.
- Excellent support for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and more than 50 other streaming sites.
- There are no bandwidth restrictions so you are free to stream, download and browse as much as you want.
- 10 simultaneous logins for your family Why buy multiple VPN accounts when you can secure all your devices with just one account?
wrap things
To sum things up, HTTPS is a great first step when it comes to making sure that unauthorized parties aren’t snooping on your data, and a VPN is essential for those who value security and want to enjoy the internet without borders. It’s not about whether HTTPS or a VPN is the ideal option – the two work together as well as the match in internet heaven itself!
Haris Shahid Haris Shahid has a real passion for covering the latest happenings in the cybersecurity, privacy and digital landscape. He loves to get out and about, but often ends up spending a lot of his time behind a computer keyboard. Tweet @harisshahid01
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