HTTPS and VPN: How They Collaborate to Enhance Your Online Security?

Overview

As you browse, shop, socialize, or work online, you might notice a small lock icon or an https:// prefix in your browser's address bar. This indicates that you're using a secure protocol that encrypts data transmission between you and the website. But does HTTPS truly protect all your online activities? Why do you still need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to further enhance your online security?

Contents 

What is HTTPS and Why Is It Secure?

The State of HTTPS

Limitations of HTTPS

How Does VPN Help Enhance Online Security Alongside HTTPS?

Why Choose MetroVPN?

What is HTTPS and Why Is It Secure?

HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure , and it's a protocol for transmitting data over the internet. It's based on HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) but adds the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols between HTTP and TCP layers to achieve data encryption and identity authentication.

When you visit an HTTPS website, your browser establishes a secure connection with the site's server. It then exchanges keys using the SSL or TLS protocol to encrypt subsequent data transmission. This way, even if someone intercepts the data packets between you and the website, they can't decipher the content, ensuring your privacy and sensitive information are protected.

The State of HTTPS

HTTPS has become the standard protocol on the internet, with more and more websites adopting it to safeguard user security. According to Google, over 90% of web pages globally currently use the HTTPS protocol. This indicates that both users and websites are increasingly valuing online security, allowing for a higher level of security during online browsing.

Limitations of HTTPS

While HTTPS can encrypt data transmission between you and a website, it's not foolproof. HTTPS also has limitations that could expose you to certain risks in online security. Here are some limitations of HTTPS:

① HTTPS doesn't encrypt initial connections

When you first access an HTTPS website, your browser needs to resolve the website's IP address using DNS (Domain Name System). This process is transmitted in plaintext and could be eavesdropped or tampered with. If someone hijacks DNS requests, they could redirect you to a fraudulent or malicious site, stealing your information or injecting malware.

② HTTPS doesn't guarantee website or app security

HTTPS only ensures the encryption of data transmission, not the security of the data itself. If a website or app has vulnerabilities or malicious code, HTTPS won't prevent attacks or information leaks. Therefore, when using HTTPS websites or apps, you also need to consider their sources and reputations, avoiding clicking on unfamiliar links or downloading untrusted files.

③ HTTPS doesn't prevent phishing

Phishing is a common online scam involving fake websites or emails that trick users into revealing account information, passwords, credit card details, etc. While HTTPS can verify a website's identity, some phishers can also use HTTPS to create counterfeit sites, deceiving users. Thus, when using HTTPS sites, you need to pay attention to details like domain names, certificates, content, etc., to avoid falling victim.

How Does VPN Help Enhance Online Security Alongside HTTPS?

VPN is a technology that establishes a private channel over public networks, encrypting all your internet traffic, thwarting man-in-the-middle attacks, filtering malicious sites and ads, and protecting your IP and online activities. VPN can work in conjunction with HTTPS to provide a higher level of online security. Here are some advantages of VPN:

① VPN can encrypt initial connections

When you use a VPN, your device first establishes a secure connection with the VPN server before accessing the internet through it. This means your DNS requests aren't transmitted in plaintext but are encrypted and proxied, eliminating the risk of DNS hijacking.

② VPN can protect all your internet traffic

HTTPS only encrypts data transmission between you and HTTPS websites, not between you and other non-HTTPS sites or apps. If you visit a site or app without HTTPS, your data could be intercepted or tampered with. A VPN, however, can encrypt all your internet traffic, ensuring data security regardless of the site or app you access.

③ VPN can conceal your IP and online activities

While HTTPS can encrypt content, it can't hide the source and destination of data. If someone monitors your network traffic, they could deduce which sites or apps you're visiting, revealing your interests, habits, location, etc. A VPN can hide your real IP address, allowing anonymous browsing on the internet, thus safeguarding your privacy and identity.

Why Choose MetroVPN?

MetroVPN is a premium VPN service provider that offers fast, stable, secure, and convenient VPN services. Here are some features of MetroVPN :

① Global Servers

MetroVPN boasts high-speed servers across the globe, enabling you to access any site or app anytime, whether domestically or internationally.

② Encrypts Network Activity

MetroVPN guarantees complete encryption and protection of all your internet traffic, preventing anyone from eavesdropping or tampering.

③ Multi-Platform

MetroVPN supports various platforms and devices, making VPN usage easy on any device. Whether it's Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS, you can download and install MetroVPN 's client.

④ Strict No-Logs Policy

MetroVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn't track or store any of your online activities, ensuring your data remains confidential.

⑤ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

MetroVPN offers a risk-free trial period with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their services worry-free.