Which protocol is used to securely browse the web?

HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is the correct protocol for securely browsing the web. It is an extension of HTTP and incorporates a layer of security by using Transport Layer Security (TLS) or its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This encrypted connection ensures that data transmitted between a user's browser and the web server is secure from eavesdropping, tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

When users visit a website using HTTPS, it signifies that their communication with the site is encrypted, which is especially crucial for protecting sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or payment details during online transactions. The presence of HTTPS is typically indicated in web browsers by a padlock icon in the address bar, providing visual reassurance to users regarding the site's security.

Other protocols like FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and Telnet are not designed for web browsing; instead, they serve different purposes such as file transfer and command-line interface communication, respectively. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundational protocol for transferring web pages, but it lacks the encryption that HTTPS provides, making it unsuitable for secure web browsing.