What is the main task of the HTTPS protocol and why is it important for web security?

The primary goal of HTTPS protocol is to provide a secure encrypted connection between the client and the server. This is achieved through SSL/TLS, which encrypts transmitted data, protecting it from interception and tampering.

Why it is important:

• Confidentiality: data (such as passwords, card numbers) cannot be read by attackers.
• Integrity: data cannot be altered during transmission without detection.
• Authentication: the client can be sure it is communicating with the intended server, not an imposter.

Thus, HTTPS protects web communications from "man-in-the-middle" attacks and ensures user trust in the website.