Which of the following best describes HTTPS?

HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is fundamentally an encrypted protocol designed to secure communications over a computer network, particularly the internet. The primary role of HTTPS is to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted between a user's web browser and the web server. It incorporates encryption methods such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), which protect sensitive information (like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data) from being intercepted by unauthorized parties during transmission.

The other choices describe various aspects of web technology but do not capture the essence of HTTPS as a secure form of communication. For instance, while the standard Hypertext Transfer Protocol is essential for web traffic, it does not provide the security features found in HTTPS. Similarly, transferring images on the web is facilitated through various protocols, but HTTPS specifically focuses on secure transmission rather than the type of content being sent. Lastly, while server configuration can involve securing connections with HTTPS, it does not define the protocol itself, which is specifically about encrypted communication between clients and servers.