Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is an encryption protocol designed to safeguard data transmitted between websites and users. SSL is closely associated with Transport Layer Security (TLS), another encryption protocol, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
An example of SSL usage is when a user visits a secure website, such as an online banking portal or an e-commerce store. When the user enters sensitive information like credit card details or login credentials, SSL encryption ensures that this data is securely transmitted between the user’s browser and the website’s server, protecting it from interception by malicious actors. This is indicated by the presence of “https://” in the website’s URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, assuring users of the website’s security.