What does ‘scp’ stand for, and what is its primary function?

The term ‘scp’ stands for Secure Copy Protocol, and its primary function is to securely copy files from one host to another over a network. This is accomplished using the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol, which provides the necessary secure communication channel. The security features of SSH ensure that the data being transferred is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering during the transfer process.

In practical use, ‘scp’ allows users to specify the source and destination for files, whether they are on local or remote systems. This capability is particularly useful for transferring sensitive information or files between different servers while maintaining a high level of security.

Other choices mention protocols that sound similar but do not accurately describe the function of 'scp'. They either refer to different purposes not related to file copying or mischaracterize the functionality of existing protocols. This distinction makes it clear why "Secure Copy Protocol; used to copy files securely over SSH" is the most fitting definition for ‘scp’.