Which protocol is most appropriate for securely transferring files over the internet?

The protocol that is most appropriate for securely transferring files over the internet is SFTP. SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, is designed to provide a secure channel for transferring files by encrypting the data during transit. This ensures that the files cannot be easily intercepted or read by unauthorized parties.

SFTP operates over the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol, which not only encrypts the data but also provides strong authentication methods. This combination of encryption and authentication makes SFTP a reliable choice for secure file transfer, enhancing confidentiality and integrity of the data being transferred.

In contrast, the other listed protocols lack this level of security. For instance, HTTP and FTP transmit data in plaintext, making them vulnerable to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), while useful for network management tasks, is not intended for file transfer, particularly in a secure manner. Thus, SFTP stands out as the protocol specifically tailored for secure file transfers over the internet.