In the context of the Internet protocol, what does the 's' in 'https' stand for?

The correct answer is Secure.

Key Points

• The 's' in HTTPS stands for Secure.
• HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is an extension of HTTP, which is used for secure communication over a computer network.
• It ensures that the data exchanged between the user's browser and the web server is encrypted, making it more secure against eavesdropping and tampering.
• HTTPS uses the SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) protocol to encrypt the communication.
• Websites with HTTPS are identified by a padlock icon in the browser's address bar, giving users confidence in the security of the website.
• It is widely used for online banking, e-commerce, and other scenarios where sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, is transmitted.

Additional Information

• HTTPS protects against man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker intercepts and manipulates the communication between the user and the website.
• It also ensures data integrity, meaning that the data exchanged cannot be altered without being detected.
• Modern web browsers mark websites without HTTPS as "Not Secure," urging webmasters to adopt HTTPS for better security and user trust.
• Major search engines, like Google, consider HTTPS as a ranking factor, which means websites with HTTPS may rank higher in search results.