Categories: Glossary

SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol used to secure communication between a web browser and a server. It is used to encrypt data that is transmitted over the internet, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. SSL is important because it helps to protect sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, and other personal data.

SSL is implemented using digital certificates, which are issued by trusted third-party organizations known as Certificate Authorities (CAs). These certificates contain information about the website and its owner, as well as a public key that is used to encrypt data. When a user connects to a website using SSL, the website presents its certificate to the user’s browser, which verifies that the certificate is authentic and issued by a trusted CA. If the certificate is verified, the browser and server establish a secure connection, and all data transmitted between them is encrypted.

To implement SSL on a website, website owners must obtain a certificate from a trusted CA and install it on their web server. Many web hosting providers offer SSL certificates as part of their hosting plans, or they can be purchased separately from a third-party provider. Once the certificate is installed, website owners can configure their web server to use SSL, typically by enabling HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) on their website.

In summary, SSL is a protocol used to secure communication between a web browser and a server, using digital certificates to encrypt data transmitted over the internet. It is important because it helps to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. To implement SSL on a website, you must obtain and install a certificate and configure your web server to use HTTPS.