Which protocol is utilized to secure HTTP traffic?

The protocol that secures HTTP traffic is HTTPS. HTTP, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the standard protocol used for transmitting data over the web. However, it does not provide any encryption for the data being transmitted, which can make it vulnerable to eavesdropping and other types of attacks.

To address these security concerns, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is designed to secure HTTP traffic by combining it with SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security). This combination encrypts the data being transmitted between the client (such as a web browser) and the server, ensuring that sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, is protected from interception during transmission.

By using HTTPS, websites can provide a secure browsing experience, giving users confidence that their data is protected against malicious third parties. This level of security is crucial for transactions involving sensitive information and is a standard requirement for any modern website, especially those dealing with personal or financial data.