SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol that provides a secure channel for communication between two systems over the internet. SSL is now more commonly known as its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS). TLS and SSL are cryptographic protocols that provide secure communication over the internet.
When you visit a website that has SSL/TLS enabled, your browser and the web server establish a secure connection, which ensures that any information you send to the website is encrypted and cannot be intercepted or read by unauthorized parties. This can include personal information such as passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive data.
In addition to encrypting sensitive data, SSL/TLS also verifies the identity of the website you are visiting. This is done through the use of digital certificates issued by trusted third-party organizations called Certificate Authorities (CAs). These certificates contain information about the website’s identity and public key, and they allow your browser to verify that you are communicating with the correct website and not an impostor.
SSL/TLS is required for any website that handles sensitive data such as personal information or financial transactions. It provides an important layer of security that protects both the website’s users and the website itself from cyberattacks and other malicious activity. Additionally, many modern web browsers now display warnings or block access to websites that do not have SSL/TLS enabled, so it is essential for website owners to implement SSL/TLS to ensure their website can be accessed and trusted by users.
