HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is the foundation of data communication on the web. It allows web browsers and servers to communicate, enabling users to access websites and resources. When you enter a web address, your browser sends an HTTP request to the server, which then responds with the requested content. HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, where the "S" stands for Secure. It uses encryption to protect the data exchanged between your browser and the server, making it harder for attackers to intercept or tamper with the information. This is especially important for online transactions and sensitive data.