Which protocol aids in ensuring online security by providing encrypted connections?

The correct answer focuses on SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), which is a widely used protocol that provides encryption for data transmitted over the internet. SSL establishes a secure channel between a client and a server, ensuring that any data exchanged remains confidential and protected from eavesdropping or tampering by third parties.

SSL works by implementing a combination of asymmetric and symmetric encryption. It first uses asymmetric encryption to negotiate a secure session key, and then employs symmetric encryption to encrypt the actual data during the communication session. This process not only helps verify the identities of the parties involved through certificates but also ensures the integrity and privacy of the data exchanged.

In contrast to SSL, other protocols mentioned do not primarily serve the same function. For instance, while IPSec is indeed used to secure internet protocol communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet in a communication session, it typically operates at the network layer rather than providing an end-to-end encryption solution for web traffic. HTTP, on the other hand, is an unsecured protocol that transmits data in plaintext, which is why SSL is often paired with it to create HTTPS (HTTP Secure). Lastly, XKMS (XML Key Management Specification) is related to managing cryptographic keys rather than providing encryption for security in connections