What does SSH stand for and what is its primary use?

SSH stands for Secure Shell, and its primary use is for secure remote login and command execution. It provides a secure channel over an unsecured network in a client-server architecture, allowing users to connect to remote systems safely. This is particularly important because SSH uses encryption, which protects the data being transmitted, including passwords and sensitive information from eavesdropping and other types of attacks.

The use of SSH is critical for system administrators and developers who need to manage servers remotely without exposing their credentials and other vital data to security risks. The protocol enables not just secure shell access, but also facilitates secure file transfers and the execution of commands on remote systems, making it a versatile tool in network security.

Other options do not accurately describe SSH; they either conflate functions with different technologies or misrepresent what SSH is intended for, failing to encapsulate its core purpose and secure nature.