What does the protocol HTTPS indicate?

The protocol HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, which is specifically designed to facilitate secure web communications. It builds on the standard HTTP by incorporating a security layer through the use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols. This means that any data exchanged between a user's web browser and a web server is encrypted, ensuring that sensitive information such as login credentials, personal information, and payment details remains confidential and cannot be intercepted by unauthorized third parties.

In the context of the other options, secure file transfer typically refers to protocols such as SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or FTPS (FTP Secure), which are specifically used for transferring files securely over a network. Secure email transmission is usually handled by protocols like SMTPS (Secure Mail Transfer Protocol) or by using encryption methods such as PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) or S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions). Secure data storage refers to methods and practices that protect data at rest, often employing encryption, secure access controls, and physical protections for storage devices. These areas, while also crucial for overall cybersecurity, do not pertain directly to the HTTPS protocol and its primary function of securing web communications.