How does HTTP differ from HTTPS?

The selected answer accurately captures the fundamental difference between HTTP and HTTPS. HTTPS, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, implements an additional layer of security over the standard HTTP protocol by utilizing encryption protocols such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). This means that data transmitted over HTTPS is encrypted, safeguarding it from eavesdropping and tampering during transmission.

This encryption is essential for protecting sensitive information, such as login credentials or personal details, which could be intercepted in plain text if transmitted via HTTP. In contrast, HTTP does not include such encryption and sends data as plain text, making it vulnerable to interception.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between HTTP and HTTPS. For instance, while HTTP does not compress data inherently, HTTPS can utilize data compression. The idea that HTTPS sends data in plain text is incorrect, as its core feature is security through encryption. Moreover, HTTP is not restricted to exclusively secure websites; many non-secure websites still rely on HTTP for basic information exchange.