What distinguishes HTTPS from HTTP?

HTTPS distinguishes itself from HTTP primarily through its use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) for data encryption. This encryption process ensures that the data transferred between the user's browser and the website server is secure, protecting it from eavesdroppers and man-in-the-middle attacks. This added layer of security is crucial for any online activities that involve sensitive information, such as online banking or shopping, where protecting user data is a significant concern.

While there are assumptions tied to the other choices, they don't accurately capture the essential difference between HTTPS and HTTP. For example, speed is generally not a distinguishing factor, as HTTPS may introduce some overhead due to encryption, but the security benefits far outweigh this. Moreover, HTTP and HTTPS are not limited in the types of websites they can be applied to; rather, HTTPS can be utilized on secure and non-secure sites depending on the site's implementation, and it also supports various types of data beyond just audio and video. The focus on encryption is what fundamentally sets HTTPS apart from its predecessor.