The "S" in HTTPS stands for?

Question

The "S" in HTTPS stands for?

1. A. Selected
2. B. Secure (Correct answer)
3. C. Software
4. D. System

Correct Answer

Option B — Secure

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Secure.

Key Points

• HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure.
• The "S" indicates that traffic is encrypted using SSL/TLS, protecting it from interception and tampering.
• HTTPS uses port 443, whereas plain HTTP uses port 80.
• Browsers show a padlock for HTTPS sites, and it is now the expected standard for any site handling logins or payments.

Additional Information

• HTTPS uses port 443, while plain HTTP uses port 80 — a pairing frequently asked directly.
• The encryption layer is TLS (Transport Layer Security), the successor to the older SSL; the two names are still used interchangeably in practice.
• The padlock shown in the address bar indicates a valid digital certificate issued by a Certificate Authority (CA), which attests that the site is who it claims to be — protecting against both eavesdropping and impersonation.