Why https:// ?

[Coldicote]

I have been accustomed to http://www ... that I understand means hypertext transfer protocol. Why has the additional s appeared making it - https and what does it mean?

[woofgang]

the "S" means its a secure website, eg for banking

[ducksie]

secure?

[Coldicote]

Thank you woofgang. Presumably it's a special kind of website facility available to those who need it - and pay for it!

[woofgang]

Its why many small business websites use things like paypal. They don't have to worry about the high level of security needed to deal with people's personal details and credit card stuff.