Question

With https, data are encrypted using a protocol called the ________.

A) Secure Shell (SSH)
B) Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
C) File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
D) Post Office Protocol (POP)

Answer 1

HTTPS encrypts data using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, also known as Transport Layer Security (TLS), to provide a secure channel over the internet.

Step-by-step explanation:

With HTTPS, data are encrypted using a protocol called the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This protocol is now commonly updated to Transport Layer Security (TLS), but the term SSL is still often used interchangeably. HTTPS ensures that the data sent and received is encrypted, which provides a secure channel over an insecure network, like the internet.

When a user connects to a website via HTTPS, the server presents a certificate to verify its identity. The client and server then engage in a 'handshake' process that involves the creation of encryption keys that will secure the communication. The encryption provided by HTTPS is critical for maintaining data integrity and privacy, protecting against eavesdropping, tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks.