Which protocol is used for secure communication over a computer network?

The choice of SSL/TLS as the correct answer highlights its role in providing secure communication over computer networks. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols designed specifically to encrypt the data that is transmitted over a network. This encryption ensures that any information exchanged between a client and server remains confidential and protected from eavesdroppers or attackers.

When SSL/TLS is implemented, it creates a secure channel over an insecure network such as the internet. This is crucial for applications like online banking, e-commerce, and any other services that require secure transactions, as it helps prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

In contrast, other options provided serve different purposes in networking. HTTP, while widely used for transmitting data on the web, does not include built-in security measures to protect the data being sent or received, making it vulnerable to interception. SNMP is primarily used for network management and monitoring rather than securing communications. Telnet allows for remote communication to devices and systems but does so in an unencrypted manner, which poses significant security risks. Hence, SSL/TLS stands out as the go-to protocol for securing data transmission in various network communications.