Which protocol is used to encrypt data between the client and server in an SSL/TLS connection?

The correct answer highlights that SSL/TLS is the protocol specifically designed to secure data transmitted over a network. In an SSL/TLS connection, the primary purpose is to provide encryption, ensuring that the communication between the client and the server remains confidential and protected from eavesdropping or tampering.

This protocol employs a combination of cryptographic techniques, including public key and symmetric key encryption, to establish a secure connection. When a client connects to a server using HTTPS, which is HTTP over SSL/TLS, the SSL/TLS protocol initiates a handshake process. During this process, the two parties exchange encryption keys and agree on the parameters of their secure session. Once the handshake is successful, all data exchanged is encrypted, safeguarding it against unauthorized access.

Other protocols mentioned, like HTTP, TCP, and UDP, do not provide built-in encryption mechanisms. While HTTP is the application layer protocol for transferring hypertext, and TCP is a transport layer protocol that ensures reliable delivery of packets, neither of these protocols includes encryption as part of their specifications. UDP, being a connectionless transport layer protocol, does not guarantee reliable transmission and also lacks native encryption capabilities.

Thus, SSL/TLS is integral for securing the data in transit, making it the definitive answer to