The HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) protocols are foundational technologies used for transferring data between web browsers and servers. HTTP is the standard protocol for transmitting web pages and resources over the internet, while HTTPS adds a layer of security by encrypting the data using SSL/TLS. This encryption helps protect sensitive information, such as login credentials and payment details, from interception or tampering during transmission. Most modern websites use HTTPS to ensure secure and trustworthy communication with their users.