What does HTTPS stand for?

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It is an extension of HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and is used to secure communications over a computer network, particularly the internet. The "S" at the end signifies that the protocol is secured using encryption, typically through protocols like SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). This encryption ensures that any data exchanged between the user's web browser and the website is protected from eavesdropping, tampering, or forgery, thereby ensuring confidentiality and integrity of the data.

The full designation highlights the key role of HTTPS in providing a safe browsing experience, making it a fundamental component of web security protocols. This is particularly important for sensitive transactions, such as online banking or shopping, where personal information needs to be transmitted securely over the web.