When transmitting an HTTP Authorization header over HTTPS, the entire HTTP request—including headers—is encrypted during transmission. This means that the Authorization header, along with other headers and the body of the request, is protected from interception by unauthorized parties.
The security of this encryption depends on the strength of the HTTPS implementation, which relies on the underlying TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol. TLS uses various encryption algorithms to secure data in transit. The choice of these algorithms can affect the overall security of the connection. For instance, using strong, modern encryption algorithms enhances security, while outdated or weak algorithms may be vulnerable to attacks.
It's important to note that while HTTPS encrypts the data in transit, it does not protect against threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks if the server's SSL/TLS certificate is not properly validated. Therefore, ensuring that the server's certificate is valid and trusted is crucial for maintaining the security of the transmitted data.
In summary, when using HTTPS, the Authorization header is encrypted during transmission, providing confidentiality and protection against eavesdropping. The strength of this protection depends on the robustness of the TLS implementation and the validity of the server's certificate.