What protocol is commonly used to secure communication over a computer network?

The correct answer is HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is a widely used protocol designed specifically to enhance the security of data transmitted over the internet. HTTPS incorporates the use of encryption via protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) or its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This encryption ensures that communication between a user's web browser and the web server is secure, protecting against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

When users access a website using HTTPS, any data exchanged, such as login credentials, payment information, and personal details, is encrypted, significantly enhancing the privacy and security of the communication. This is why HTTPS is commonly used for websites that handle sensitive information, such as online banking, e-commerce, and any site that requires user authentication.

In contrast, the other options—FTP (File Transfer Protocol), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)—do not provide the same level of security. FTP is primarily used for transferring files and does not encrypt the data being sent. HTTP is the standard protocol for web communication but lacks encryption, making it vulnerable to interception. SMTP is used for sending emails but also does not inherently secure the email content unless combined with additional security protocols