Which protocol is commonly used for secure data transmission over the internet?

The correct answer is HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This protocol is specifically designed for secure communication over a computer network, particularly the internet. HTTPS encrypts the data exchanged between a web server and a client (such as a web browser), utilizing Transport Layer Security (TLS) or its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This encryption helps protect against eavesdropping, tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks, making it essential for transmitting sensitive information like credit card numbers, login credentials, and personal data over the web.

When using HTTPS, users can verify the authenticity of the website they're visiting, as it ensures that the data is being sent to the legitimate server, thereby establishing a secure connection. This is indicated in a web browser by a padlock symbol in the address bar, signifying trust and security.

In contrast, HTTP does not include any encryption, making it vulnerable to interception and attacks. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files, but like HTTP, it does not provide security features for encrypting the data being transmitted. SMTP, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, is primarily used for sending emails and, while it can work with secure extensions, it is not inherently designed for secure web