HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an extension of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and is used for secure communication over the internet. It uses encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS to ensure secure data transmission between a client and a server.
- HTTP (A) is a protocol for transmitting data over the internet but does not include encryption, making it less secure than HTTPS.
- FTP (B) is the File Transfer Protocol, which is used for transferring files but is not inherently secure unless combined with SSL/TLS.
- SMTP (D) is the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, used for sending email, but it is not designed for secure communication over the internet.
Thus, the correct answer is (C), HTTPS.