The protocol commonly applied for securing communication over networks is Transport Layer Security (TLS). TLS encrypts data exchanged between client and server, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. It prevents unauthorized access and tampering by establishing a secure connection before any data transmission occurs. TLS is essential in various applications, including email, VoIP, and web browsing, safeguarding sensitive information such as financial transactions and personal data. By providing a reliable layer of security, TLS helps foster user trust in digital communications.