Which protocol is a secure version of HTTP, adding a layer of security to data transfer?

The correct answer is HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is an extension of HTTP and is specifically designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. HTTPS achieves this by encrypting the data transferred between the client (such as a web browser) and the server, which helps to protect sensitive data from being intercepted by unauthorized parties.

The security in HTTPS is typically enabled through the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. This encryption ensures that any data exchanged, such as personal information, passwords, or payment details, is kept confidential and secure from eavesdropping or tampering during transmission.

In contrast, HTTP does not have any encryption measures, making it vulnerable to attacks and data breaches. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) serve different purposes related to transferring files rather than securing web traffic. While SFTP does add a layer of security for file transfers, it is not relevant to the context of web protocols like HTTPS is. Thus, HTTPS is the appropriate choice for a secure version of HTTP designed to enhance data transfer security.