What protocol is used for secure data transmission over the internet?

The correct answer, SSL/TLS, refers to Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS). These protocols provide a secure channel for communication over a computer network, such as the internet. They accomplish this by enabling encryption, which secures the data packets being transmitted between clients and servers. This ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, can be transferred safely without being intercepted by malicious actors.

SSL/TLS operates by establishing an encrypted connection between the communicating parties, ensuring both data integrity and authentication. This is critical for applications like online banking, e-commerce, and any other services that require secure data handling.

In contrast, the other protocols mentioned do not provide secure transmission. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the standard protocol for transferring web pages but does not include encryption, leaving data vulnerable. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files over a network but, like HTTP, lacks built-in security features to protect data. IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange) is an outdated networking protocol used primarily in Novell networks and does not pertain to secure data transmission in the context of modern internet communication.

Therefore, SSL/TLS stands out as the fundamental technology that ensures secure