What does using HTTPS accomplish during data transmission?

Using HTTPS during data transmission primarily accomplishes the encryption of the data being transmitted. When HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is employed, it utilizes the SSL/TLS protocol to establish a secure connection between the client and server. This encryption ensures that the data exchanged, such as sensitive information, credentials, or any other data, is protected from interception by unauthorized third parties.

By encrypting the data, HTTPS prevents eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, where malicious actors could potentially intercept or manipulate the data being sent. This is vital for maintaining the confidentiality of the information as it travels across the network.

While considerations like data integrity and secure channels are important attributes of HTTPS, the core function that distinguishes it from its unsecured counterpart, HTTP, is the encryption process that secures individual packets of data, making sure that they remain private and unaltered during transmission. Choices that suggest increased speed or divided traffic do not directly relate to the primary function of HTTPS, and thus, do not accurately capture the significant benefit of using HTTPS in the context of data transmission.