Which specialized application of SSL is used for encrypted authentication processes?

The answer is focused on PEAP-TLS because it stands for Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol with Transport Layer Security. This protocol is specifically designed to provide secure authentication processes by encapsulating a second authentication exchange within a secure SSL/TLS tunnel.

PEAP-TLS operates by first establishing a secure TLS connection between a client and a server, which protects the subsequent authentication process from being exposed to potential eavesdroppers. This is particularly important in environments where credentials could be intercepted during transmission. By using TLS, PEAP achieves confidentiality and integrity, essential features in any secure authentication mechanism.

While HTTPS, a secure version of HTTP, also employs SSL/TLS to protect data exchanged between a web browser and server, its primary focus is on securing data in transit rather than authentication processes per se. IMAP4, which is often used for email retrieval, may also be secured using SSL/TLS, but its purpose is not specifically centered on authentication. FTP, on the other hand, is primarily a file transfer protocol which does not inherently support encryption unless using a variant like FTPS.

Thus, the specialized nature of PEAP-TLS in securing authentication processes through SSL/TLS sets it apart as the correct choice for this question.