Which encryption method is widely used for securing sensitive data on the internet?

The choice of SSL/TLS as a widely used encryption method for securing sensitive data on the internet is rooted in its role as a secure communication protocol. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are designed to provide encryption of data transmitted over the web between a client (such as a web browser) and a server. This protocol not only encrypts data to protect it during transmission but also authenticates the parties involved, ensuring that the data is being sent to and received from the correct entities.

SSL/TLS is commonly used in conjunction with other encryption algorithms to enhance security further during data exchanges. For example, within an SSL/TLS session, symmetric key encryption (like AES) might be used for the actual data transfer, while asymmetric key encryption (like RSA) is often employed to exchange the symmetric keys securely. This layered approach enhances the overall encryption strategy for securing sensitive information across the internet.

The other methods listed serve different purposes: RSA is primarily a method for secure key exchange rather than the full spectrum of data transmission security. AES is a strong symmetric encryption algorithm but does not handle the network communication or key exchange aspects by itself. ECB (Electronic Codebook) is a mode of operation for block ciphers and