What protocol is used to securely access a server remotely?

The use of SSH, or Secure Shell, is essential for securely accessing a server remotely due to its robust encryption and authentication features. When connecting to a server using SSH, all data transmitted between the client and server is encrypted, ensuring that sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords, cannot be intercepted by malicious actors. This level of security is critical in a networked environment, where unsecured communication protocols can expose data to threats.

In contrast, the other options do not provide the same level of security. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for transferring files but does not inherently include encryption, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is also an unsecured protocol used for transmitting web pages and does not encrypt the data, leaving it exposed to interception. Telnet is another insecure method for accessing remote servers that transmits data in plain text, making it easy for attackers to capture sensitive information. Thus, SSH stands out as the preferred choice for securely accessing servers remotely.