What does the acronym HTTPS signify in web browsing?

The acronym HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This protocol is a critical component of secure communication over a computer network, specifically the internet. HTTPS is an extension of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), which is used to transfer data between a web browser and a website. The "Secure" part indicates that the data is encrypted using protocols such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security), ensuring that sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, is protected from eavesdropping and tampering during transmission.

This security feature is particularly important for ecommerce sites and any services that handle personal data, as it builds user trust knowing that their information is safeguarded. HTTPS contributes significantly to user privacy and security, making it the standard protocol for modern web browsing.

The other choices do not accurately represent the full meaning of HTTPS or its purpose in web communication, which is why they do not correctly identify this key protocol.