What does HTTPS provide compared to HTTP?

HTTPS, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, provides a more secure way of viewing webpages compared to its predecessor, HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). The primary enhancement that HTTPS offers is the use of encryption through protocols such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This encryption ensures that any data transferred between the user's browser and the web server is secure from eavesdroppers, preventing unauthorized access, tampering, or interception by third parties.

When a website uses HTTPS, it means that visitors can trust that their connection to the site is private and that sensitive information—such as login credentials or financial details—is protected during transit. This increased security is not only crucial for protecting individual user data but also helps build trust and credibility for websites, particularly those handling sensitive information.

In contrast, options that suggest HTTPS is a less secure method or solely focused on rapid access to web pages do not accurately represent the nature of what HTTPS offers. Additionally, while HTTPS is related to secure data transmission, it does not function as a protocol for file transfer like FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which is designed specifically for that purpose. Therefore, the emphasis on enhanced security is the distinct advantage of HTTPS over HTTP.