What protocol is primarily used for secure communication over the internet?

The primary protocol used for secure communication over the internet is HTTPS, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. HTTPS is an extension of HTTP and incorporates security measures through the use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). This ensures that data transmitted between a web browser and a server is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping, tampering, and forgery.

The importance of HTTPS lies in its ability to secure sensitive information such as login credentials, payment information, and personal data. Websites that utilize HTTPS are often viewed as more trustworthy by users, especially given the growing emphasis on privacy and security in today's online environment.

In contrast, HTTP (the non-secure version) does not provide any encryption, which makes it vulnerable to interception. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is designed for transferring files and does not inherently include any encryption for secure communication. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is used for sending emails but lacks built-in security features unless combined with other protocols. Thus, HTTPS stands out as the protocol specifically designed for secure web communication.