Which protocol provides remote access to servers?

SSH, or Secure Shell, is the protocol that provides remote access to servers. It is designed for secure network services over an unsecured network, allowing users to log into remote machines and execute commands. SSH uses encryption to ensure that the data transmitted between the client and server is secure, which is essential for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.

This makes SSH particularly useful for system administrators and developers who need to manage servers remotely without exposing their data to potential interception by malicious actors. It also supports secure file transfers, port forwarding, and is often used to securely access shell accounts on Unix-like operating systems.

While other protocols like FTP and SFTP can facilitate file transfers, and HTTP serves as a protocol for web traffic, they do not specialize in providing the secure remote access to servers that SSH does. FTP, for example, lacks encryption, making it unsuitable for sensitive data transfers. SFTP, while secure, is specifically designed for file transfer rather than general remote command execution.