What protocol is widely used for secure remote management of servers and network devices?

The correct choice is noted for its critical role in ensuring secure communications in remote server and network device management. The Secure Shell (SSH) protocol provides a secure channel over an unsecured network, allowing users to log into other computers and execute commands remotely while maintaining confidentiality and integrity of the data transmitted.

SSH employs strong encryption mechanisms to protect the data being exchanged, thus safeguarding against eavesdropping, connection hijacking, and other security threats by ensuring that both the session and the data remain secure while in transit. This is crucial for administrators who need to manage various devices securely from potentially untrusted environments.

In contrast, other protocols such as FTP, Telnet, and HTTP do not provide the same level of security. FTP and Telnet transmit data in plain text, which means that sensitive information, including usernames and passwords, can be easily intercepted by attackers. HTTP, while it allows for web communication, also does not offer encryption, making it unsuitable for secure remote management tasks. Thus, SSH stands out as the preferred protocol for secure management of servers and network devices.