Which standard is often used to secure communication over the Internet?

HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is the standard commonly used to secure communication over the Internet. It incorporates encryption protocols, such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security), to create a secure connection between a web browser and a web server. This ensures that data transferred between the two parties is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering by attackers.

In the context of securing web traffic, HTTPS provides confidentiality, data integrity, and authentication, making it essential for transactions involving sensitive information, such as online banking or shopping. The implementation of HTTPS has become a fundamental practice to enhance security across websites and is indicated by a padlock icon in the browser's address bar.

Other options, while all relevant to data transmission, serve different purposes. FTP, for instance, is used for transferring files but does not provide encryption, making it unsuitable for secure communication. SFTP does offer secure file transfer by encrypting the data and commands, but it is not a standard for web browsing. IMAP is focused on email retrieval and does not address web traffic. Hence, HTTPS stands out as the primary method for secure Internet communication.