SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol used to establish encrypted links between a web server and a browser in online communication. It was originally developed by Netscape and later replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), which is its successor and widely used today to secure websites and protect sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data.
How SSL Works
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate helps protect your website and its users by encrypting all data transmitted between the server and client. This means that any sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, cannot be intercepted and read by malicious third parties.
When a browser attempts to connect to a website secured with SSL, the server and the browser first establish an encrypted link using the SSL protocol. This encrypted link ensures that all data transmitted between the two is secure and cannot be intercepted. The SSL certificate also verifies the identity of the website, providing an added layer of security and helping to prevent phishing attacks.
Having an SSL certificate installed on your website can also improve user trust and search engine optimization, as many browsers display a padlock icon and “https” in the address bar to indicate that a website is secure.