To answer this question, you need to understand the importance of encrypting HTTP traffic for an authenticated connection between a client and a web server. Let's go through each option to understand why it is correct or incorrect:
Option A) to prevent SQL injection - This option is incorrect. SQL injection is a type of attack where an attacker inserts malicious SQL code into a query, bypassing authentication and gaining unauthorized access to a database. While encrypting the HTTP traffic can help protect against attacks like eavesdropping or data tampering, it does not directly prevent SQL injection.
Option B) to prevent sensitive information from being stolen - This option is correct. Encrypting HTTP traffic is crucial to protect sensitive information from being intercepted and stolen. Without encryption, data transmitted between a client and a web server can be easily intercepted by attackers, exposing sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or financial details. Encrypting the traffic ensures that the data is scrambled and can only be deciphered by authorized parties.
Option C) to prevent cross-site scripting - This option is incorrect. Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a type of attack where an attacker injects malicious scripts into a web page, which then get executed by the user's browser. While encryption can help protect against certain types of XSS attacks, it is not its primary purpose.
Option D) to prevent website defacement - This option is incorrect. Website defacement refers to unauthorized changes made to a website's appearance or content. Encrypting HTTP traffic does not directly prevent website defacement, as it mainly focuses on protecting the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted between a client and a server.
The correct answer is B) to prevent sensitive information from being stolen. This option is correct because encrypting HTTP traffic ensures that sensitive information remains confidential and cannot be easily intercepted or stolen by unauthorized parties.