Which protocol is used for secure web transactions?

HTTPS, or HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, is the protocol specifically designed for secure web transactions. It is an extension of HTTP but includes security features to safeguard the data transmitted between a client and a server. Using HTTPS, the data exchanged is encrypted, protecting it from interception or tampering by malicious parties as it travels across the internet.

This encryption is achieved through the use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security), which establish a secure connection and ensure that sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or personal data, remains confidential. This level of security is essential for any online activity that involves the exchange of sensitive information, such as online banking or shopping.

In contrast, other protocols listed do not provide this level of security for web transactions. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files but does not include encryption in its standard form. HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) allows for the transfer of web pages without encryption, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for sending emails and does not cater specifically to secure web transactions.