Which method is primarily used to secure communication over the internet?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols primarily used to secure communication over the internet. They work by encrypting the data transmitted between a client and a server, which helps prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery. When you access a website with HTTPS, it means that SSL/TLS is being used to create a secure connection.

This encryption is essential for ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data, especially when sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details is being transmitted. Overall, SSL/TLS serves as the foundation for creating a secure communication channel over the inherently insecure medium of the internet, making it crucial for online transactions and privacy.

In contrast, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is used to create a secure private connection over the internet, primarily for protecting user privacy and enabling access to restricted content, but it operates on a different layer of security. A firewall acts as a barrier to protect networks by controlling incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules, while antivirus software is designed to detect and remove malware from devices rather than securing data transmission.