Which protocol is typically used to secure HTTP communications?

The protocol typically used to secure HTTP communications is HTTPS. HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is an extension of HTTP that adds a layer of security by using encryption protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) or, historically, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This encryption ensures that any data transmitted between the user's web browser and the web server is secure from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

With HTTPS, users can trust that their communications are protected and that the integrity of the data is maintained during transmission. This is particularly important for online transactions and sensitive information exchanges, such as those involving personal data or financial details.

Other protocols, such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), and SSH (Secure Shell), serve different purposes. FTP is used for transferring files, SMTP for sending emails, and SSH for securely accessing network services over an unsecured network. Thus, while they have their individual roles in network security and communication, they do not specifically target the protection of web communications like HTTPS does.