SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data transmitted between the web server and browsers remains private and secure. The SSL protocol uses encryption to prevent hackers from intercepting and reading the transmitted data, which is crucial for protecting sensitive information such as credit card details, usernames, passwords, and other personal data.

When a website uses SSL, the site’s URL begins with https:// instead of http:// and a padlock is typically displayed in the browser’s address bar, indicating that the connection is secure. Companies obtain SSL certificates through Certificate Authorities (CAs) that validate the identity of the website owner before issuing the certificate.

Over time, SSL has evolved and is now considered part of Transport Layer Security (TLS), the successor to SSL, although the term SSL is still commonly used to refer to this type of connection security.