Can you explain what the HTTPS protocol is and how it ensures data transmission security?

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is an extension of the HTTP protocol that provides secure data transmission between the client and the server.

Main security mechanisms of HTTPS:

• Use of SSL/TLS for data encryption, preventing interception and reading by third parties.
• Server authentication using a digital certificate issued by a trusted certification authority (CA). This ensures that the client connects to the correct server.
• Data integrity, ensured by cryptographic algorithms, prevents tampering or alteration during transmission.

Example: when you visit a website with HTTPS, the browser establishes a secure connection with the server, verifies the certificate, and then encrypts all data sent and received. This protects passwords, card numbers, and other confidential information from malicious actors.