Which protocol is commonly used for secure communication over the internet?

• A. HTTP
• B. FTP
• C. HTTPS
• D. TCP

Answer: (C)

HTTPS is the correct choice for secure communication over the internet because it stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This protocol is an extension of HTTP and uses encryption to protect the data exchanged between a web browser and a web server. By employing SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols, HTTPS ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, is transmitted securely, safeguarding it from interception by malicious entities.

In contrast, HTTP does not provide any form of encryption, making it inherently less secure. FTP, which stands for File Transfer Protocol, is designed for transferring files and does not include encryption by default, thus exposing data during transmission. TCP, or Transmission Control Protocol, is a foundational communication protocol that manages how data packets are transmitted over networks but does not specifically address security or encryption measures. Therefore, HTTPS is the protocol of choice when secure communication is required.