What does HTTPS stand for in web communications?

HTTPS stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure. This term refers to an extension of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) that incorporates encryption for secure communication over a computer network. In this context, "Hyper Text" refers to the formatted text that is used to create web pages, allowing for the inclusion of hyperlinks, images, and other multimedia elements.

The addition of "Secure" indicates that HTTPS employs protocols like SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) to encrypt the data exchanged between the web server and the client, ensuring that sensitive information such as login credentials and payment details are protected from eavesdropping and tampering while in transit. This is particularly important for e-commerce sites and any service that handles sensitive data.

The other options presented do not accurately define HTTPS. They either misrepresent the terminology or include incorrect technical descriptions which do not align with established web standards. Thus, the choice of Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure is substantiated by both the correct terminology and its significance in maintaining data integrity and confidentiality in web communications.