What protocol is commonly used for secure web browsing?

The commonly used protocol for secure web browsing is HTTPS. This protocol is an extension of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) that incorporates security measures, specifically SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt data transmitted between the web server and the client’s browser. This encryption ensures that sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details are protected from eavesdropping or tampering during transit.

By using HTTPS, websites can provide a secure connection, thereby instilling trust in users who are entering personal information online. Additionally, most modern web browsers indicate that a site is using HTTPS by displaying a padlock symbol in the address bar, further reinforcing the security aspect for the user.

The other protocols mentioned do not serve the same purpose. For instance, HTTP lacks encryption, making it unsuitable for secure transactions. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files between computers but does not inherently provide security. SSH (Secure Shell) is primarily a protocol for securely accessing network devices and is not used specifically for web browsing.