In the context of network security protocols, which of the following is responsible for securing web traffic by encrypting data between a client and a server?

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) secures web traffic by employing encryption to protect data exchanged between a client and a web server. HTTPS utilizes SSL/TLS protocols to establish an encrypted connection, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. This protection prevents eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks, and data tampering. The HTTPS protocol is essential for secure browsing, particularly for online banking, e-commerce, and any platform requiring the transmission of sensitive information like credit card details. Websites using HTTPS are identified by a padlock icon in the browser, signifying that the connection is encrypted and authenticated. Why Other Options Are Incorrect: 1. IPsec: Secures data at the network layer, primarily for VPNs, not specifically for web traffic. 2. FTP: File Transfer Protocol is for file exchanges and does not provide encryption. 3. SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol is used for email transmission without inherent encryption. 4. SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol manages network devices and does not handle web traffic. HTTPS stands out as the go-to protocol for secure web interactions.