The protocol commonly used for secure communication over a computer network is Transport Layer Security (TLS). TLS encrypts data transmitted between clients and servers, safeguarding it from eavesdropping and tampering by malicious actors. It is vital for securing web communications, particularly for online transactions and sensitive information exchanges. TLS employs a combination of asymmetric and symmetric encryption, establishing secure sessions and verifying the identity of communicating parties. Its widespread adoption across various Internet services has made it a cornerstone of maintaining data integrity and privacy online.