Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a cryptographic protocol that was widely used to provide security for Internet communications. It was originally developed to secure the transfer of sensitive information such as credit card numbers and other personal data over the Internet.

However, SSL has been replaced by a newer protocol, TLS (Transport Layer Security), which provides equivalent security features and is more flexible and efficient.

In modern usage, the term SSL is often used as an umbrella term to refer to all forms of secure communication over the Internet, including both SSL and TLS. The main function of SSL/TLS is to encrypt the data transmitted between a client and a server, ensuring that the information cannot be intercepted or tampered with by unauthorized parties.

SSL/TLS certificates are commonly used to secure websites and other Internet services, and they are issued by trusted third-party certificate authorities. When a website uses SSL/TLS, it provides a secure connection for users, allowing them to securely transmit sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data over the Internet.