What distinguishes HTTP from HTTPS?

The distinguishing factor between HTTP and HTTPS is that HTTP is an unsecured protocol, while HTTPS provides security through the use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption. This encryption helps protect the data transmitted between the user's browser and the web server, making it more difficult for malicious actors to intercept or tamper with the information shared during communication.

HTTPS is essential for protecting sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data, especially when transactions are involved. This security layer not only ensures confidentiality but also enhances the integrity of the data being sent and helps authenticate the identity of the website, fostering user trust.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the key difference between HTTP and HTTPS. For example, the idea that HTTP is faster than HTTPS overlooks the fact that the speed difference is negligible for most practical purposes, especially considering the security benefits of HTTPS. The claim that HTTP uses text while HTTPS uses binary encoding is misleading, as both protocols primarily transmit data in similar formats, and the primary difference lies in the security provided. Lastly, the statement that HTTPS is only for streaming services is incorrect, as HTTPS is widely used for any web services requiring secure communications, not limited to streaming.