Which protocol is known for ensuring secure transmissions over the web?

HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is the protocol designed for secure communications over a computer network, particularly the internet. It is an extension of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and utilizes encryption protocols such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) to provide a secure channel between the client and the server.

The key aspect of HTTPS is its ability to encrypt data in transit, ensuring that sensitive information—such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal data—remains private and secure from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. When accessing a website via HTTPS, users can verify the authenticity of the site through the use of digital certificates, which builds trust in the transaction.

In contrast, HTTP does not have this security layer, making it less suitable for transmitting sensitive data. FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is primarily used for transferring files and does not inherently provide secure transmission. Similarly, IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is used for retrieving email from a server, but it also does not secure its communications unless utilized in conjunction with an encryption method. Therefore, it is clear that HTTPS is the go-to protocol for secure web transmissions.