Article

The internet is full of acronyms — HTTPS, SSL, DNS — and most people don’t know what they actually do. But understanding these basics can help you browse more safely, and for businesses, it’s essential to get them right.

Here’s a simplified explanation of these key technologies and how they keep the web secure.

🔒 HTTPS – Secure Web Browsing

What it is: HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP — the protocol used to load websites in your browser.

What it does: It encrypts all communication between your browser and the website you’re visiting. This means no one (not hackers, not your internet provider, not Wi-Fi snoopers) can see what you’re doing or steal your data.

Why it matters:

• Protects login details and credit card information
• Prevents spying and man-in-the-middle attacks
• Enables trust (browsers mark HTTPS as “secure”)

How to check: Look for the 🔒 padlock icon next to the URL in your browser. If it’s missing — think twice before entering sensitive info.

📜 SSL / TLS – The Encryption Behind HTTPS

What it is: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its modern version TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols that power HTTPS.

What they do: They handle the encryption, verification, and secure handshake between your browser and the server.

Key functions:

• Encrypt data so it can’t be read by outsiders
• Authenticate that the website is really who it claims to be
• Prevent data tampering during transmission

While we still say “SSL certificates”, most modern websites now use TLS by default. The certificate is issued by a trusted authority and installed on your server.

🌐 DNS – The Internet's Phonebook

What it is: DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names like cyberdream.io into IP addresses like 192.0.2.1 — which computers use to find each other.

Why it's important: Without DNS, you'd have to remember numeric IP addresses instead of names. But DNS is also a common target for attackers.

DNS-related threats include:

• DNS Spoofing: Redirecting you to fake websites
• DNS Hijacking: Manipulating where your traffic goes
• Unencrypted DNS requests: Letting ISPs or attackers track your browsing

How to protect it: Use secure DNS resolvers (like DNS over HTTPS), and configure DNSSEC on your domain.

How Cyber Dream Applies These Principles

• All our client websites use modern HTTPS with strong TLS settings (HTTP/3, automatic renewal, no weak ciphers).
• We test SSL configurations using tools like SSL Labs.
• We recommend DNS providers that support DNSSEC, DDoS protection, and privacy-enhanced DNS resolution.
• For clients managing infrastructure, we audit DNS zones and certificate hygiene during every security assessment.

Conclusion

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from HTTPS, SSL/TLS, and secure DNS. These technologies are the foundation of safe web browsing — for individuals and businesses alike.

At Cyber Dream, we help organizations build secure-by-design systems, starting with the basics — and getting them right.