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HTTPS provides security through the use of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security), which encrypts the data transmitted between a user's browser and the web server. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, is protected from eavesdroppers and attackers.

The key difference here lies in the fact that HTTP transmits data in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception and tampering during transit. On the other hand, HTTPS not only encrypts the data but also authenticates the server to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. This secure connection is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the information exchanged, particularly on websites that handle sensitive transactions or personal data.

While options about speed, multimedia support, and backward compatibility are relevant to web protocols, they do not accurately represent the core functional differences between HTTP and HTTPS. HTTPS’s primary advantage is its ability to secure communications, which is not a feature of standard HTTP.