Traditionally, websites used HTTP (Hyper-text Transfer Protocol) for connecting to a web server. HTTP sends a plain request to the web server and consequently, a plain response is received by the server to build connection. Since this method was prone to interception, it became unsafe as the interception methods got more sophisticated. This led to the introduction of HTTPS.
HTTP vs. HTTPS
HTTPS (Hyper-text Transfer Protocol Secure) comes as an upgrade of HTTP. Contrary to HTTP, the communication between HTTPS and the web server (request and response) is encrypted. Therefore, the end-to-end web connection is safe from any unwanted interceptions. This capability along with the promotion by Google and the free certificate generation via Let's Encrypt increased HTTPS adoption manifold.
How would I know connection has been made to the correct website?
Although the communication via HTTPS is more secure, there is still some sort of confirmation required that the connection is successfully established. This is where the security certificate comes into play. The SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is what authenticates a website's identity. This certificate is generated by a Certification Authority indicating that the website is actually what it claims to be. In case a website does not have an SSL certificate or possesses one with incorrect information, a secure connection cannot be established by the browser.
HTTPS Filtering in AdBlock360
Whenever a website is accessed, your web browser attempts to make a secure connection with the web server. For efficient ad blocking, AdBlock360 establishes two secure connections at this point, one with the web server and the other with your web browser. However, for a secure connection to be made, your web browser needs to trust AdBlock360 as well as the connections it establishes. For this to happen, AdBlock360 generates and installs a unique root certificate on your system and the web browser (if required). This gives AdBlock360 access to the data packets in the secure communication between the browser and the server. Consequently, the ads and trackers are blocked.
Complete Control
In addition, AdBlock360 gives you complete control over how you want to handle HTTPS filtering. Using the HTTPS filtering toggle, you can simply enable or disable the feature for websites using HTTPS. This comes in handy when websites related to financials or containing personal information are accessed. Such websites also use Extended Validation certificates that come as an assurance that a website is not fraudulent.