Which submission method is less secure than POST and is used to retrieve information?

The submission method that is less secure than POST and primarily used to retrieve information is GET. This method appends data to the URL as query strings, making it visible in the address bar and potentially exposing sensitive information. Because query string parameters are stored in browser history and server logs, they can be accessed by unauthorized users or through web server exposure to logs, leading to security concerns.

In contrast, POST sends data in the body of the request, keeping it hidden from the URL and minimizing direct exposure. This characteristic makes POST the preferred choice for submitting sensitive information, such as passwords or personal data.

The other methods listed—PUT, DELETE, and PATCH—are typically associated with RESTful APIs for manipulating resources. While they serve their unique purposes (updating, deleting, or modifying resource representations), they are not used primarily for data retrieval in the same way GET is. Thus, GET stands out as the less secure method for retrieving information compared to POST.