The protocol used for secure data transmission over the Internet is known as HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). HTTPS extends HTTP by incorporating SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt data exchanged between a user’s browser and a web server. This encryption protects sensitive information from eavesdropping or tampering during transmission, ensuring that data remains private and secure. HTTPS is now the standard protocol for secure communications on the web, providing users with confidence while browsing.