Which secure protocols use communications protected by the host's private key?

The correct answer indicates that both Secure Shell (SSH) and HyperText Transfer Protocol over SSL/TLS (HTTPS) utilize secure communications protected by the host's private key.

In the context of cryptographic protocols, a host's private key plays a critical role in establishing a secure connection. SSH is primarily used for secure access to network devices and systems, enabling secure remote login and command execution. It operates using public key cryptography, where the host’s private key is used to decrypt messages that were encrypted with its corresponding public key. This process ensures that only the intended host can decrypt and understand the information transmitted.

Similarly, HTTPS secures web communications by employing SSL/TLS protocols, which also utilize public key cryptography. When a client connects to a secure website, the server presents a certificate that includes its public key. This public key is used by the client to encrypt any sensitive information sent to the server, which can then only be decrypted by the server using its private key. This mechanism protects data in transit, such as login credentials or personal information.

Both protocols rely on the principle of asymmetric encryption, where the private key remains confidential to the host while the public key can be shared widely. The use of the private key in these scenarios is essential