Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a security protocol used to establish encrypted links between a web server and a browser in online communications. The SSL protocol was originally developed by Netscape Communications Corporation in the mid-1990s and was later replaced by its successor, the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.
The primary function of SSL is to secure the transmission of sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data, between a website and its users. It does this by encrypting the data in transit, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts the communication. This helps to protect against eavesdropping and tampering by hackers and other malicious actors.
In order to use SSL, a website must have an SSL certificate installed on its server. The certificate serves as a digital identity for the website and is used to verify that the site is who it claims to be. When a user visits a website that uses SSL, the browser establishes an encrypted link with the server and a padlock icon or green address bar is displayed in the browser to indicate that the connection is secure.
Today, SSL is an essential security measure for any website that collects or transmits sensitive information and is a key factor in building user trust and confidence. Most modern browsers now require that websites use SSL in order to ensure the privacy and security of their users’ data.