Which protocol is used to transfer web pages securely?

The protocol used to transfer web pages securely is HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is an extension of HTTP and incorporates a security layer through SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). This security layer ensures that the data transferred between the user's browser and the server is encrypted, protecting it from interception and tampering by attackers.

When users connect to a website using HTTPS, they can be confident that their communications are secure, which is especially important for transactions involving sensitive information, like personal details or payment information. This encryption is critical in safeguarding user privacy and maintaining the integrity of the data being transmitted.

In contrast, the other protocols mentioned serve different purposes. HTTP does not provide any security measures for data in transit, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is used for transferring files between a client and server without encryption, which also leaves the data exposed during transmission. TCP, or Transmission Control Protocol, is a transport layer protocol that ensures reliable data transmission but does not have built-in security features for web communications.