Which of the following protocols provides encryption using cryptography for the data in transit?

The protocol that provides encryption for data in transit is SSL (Secure Socket Layer). SSL is designed to secure connections between web clients and servers by encrypting the data exchanged between them. This encryption helps protect sensitive information, like personal details or payment data, from eavesdropping or tampering as it travels over the internet. SSL works by establishing a secure channel through certificates and asymmetric encryption, ensuring that both the client and server can trust each other before any sensitive information is transmitted.

In contrast, the other options do not provide encryption for data in transit. DNS is a protocol for translating domain names into IP addresses; it does not inherently include encryption and can be susceptible to spoofing. HTTP is the standard protocol for transmitting web pages and data over the internet but does not include security features, leaving data vulnerable in transit. MIME is a standard used for formatting different types of data for email but also does not provide encryption for data being sent over networks. This distinction highlights SSL's crucial role in enabling secure communications over the internet.