Which of the following protocols is used for secure communication over the internet?

HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is the correct answer as it is specifically designed for secure communication over the internet. It employs protocols like SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt data transmitted between a user's web browser and the web server. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as login credentials, personal data, and payment information, is protected from eavesdroppers and attackers during transmission.

Unlike HTTP, which transmits data in plaintext, leaving it vulnerable to interception, HTTPS adds a layer of security. This security is particularly crucial for websites that handle confidential transactions, such as online banking and e-commerce platforms. The presence of HTTPS in a website's URL signifies that the site is using encryption to secure user data.

Although FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) have their respective roles in transferring files and emails, they do not inherently provide encryption, making them unsuitable for secure communication without additional security layers, such as FTPS or SMTPS.