What works in conjunction with a secure sockets layer (SSL) to ensure that data is transported safely?

The correct answer is HTTPS because it represents a secure version of HTTP that employs SSL/TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols to encrypt data transmitted over the internet. This encryption ensures that any data exchanged between a user's browser and a web server is protected from eavesdropping and tampering during transmission. HTTPS is particularly essential for securing sensitive information, such as credit card details and personal data, making it a vital component in maintaining online security and privacy.

Other options like FTP, HTTP, and SMTP do not incorporate SSL/TLS encryption by default. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for transferring files and does not inherently provide secure transmission. HTTP is the standard protocol for web traffic but does not offer protection against interception. Similarly, SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is used for sending emails, but it also lacks built-in encryption unless configured with additional security measures, making it less secure in comparison to HTTPS.