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

The correct choice is HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This protocol is widely used on the internet to provide a secure communication channel between clients and servers. HTTPS combines HTTP with SSL/TLS protocols to encrypt the data transmitted, ensuring that sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details is protected from eavesdroppers and unauthorized access.

The importance of using HTTPS lies in its ability to secure the data in transit. It helps to safeguard against man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker could intercept or alter the communication between the user and the website. Websites that use HTTPS not only enhance security but also build trust with users, as it is evident through the visual cues such as the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.

In contrast, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) does not provide any encryption, making it vulnerable to interception and attacks. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for transferring files but lacks built-in security features like encryption for secure data transmission. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is used for sending emails and, while it can be secured with TLS, it is not specifically designed for web browsing or secure internet communications in the same comprehensive way that HTTPS is.

Thus, HTTPS is the go-to protocol