SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. It is a standard technology for securing an internet connection by encrypting data sent between a website and a browser (or between two servers) . SSL certificates are used to establish an encrypted connection between a browser or user’s computer and a server or website. The SSL protocol works by binding the identities of entities such as websites and companies to cryptographic key pairs consisting of a public key and a private key.
Here are some key features of SSL encryption:
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Encryption: SSL certificates use encryption algorithms to secure the communication between the website or service and its users. This ensures that sensitive information, such as login credentials and credit card information, is protected from being intercepted and read by unauthorized parties.
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Public-key cryptography: SSL certificates use public-key cryptography for secure key exchange between the client and server. This allows the client and server to securely exchange encryption keys, ensuring that the encrypted information can only be decrypted by the intended recipient.
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SSL handshake: SSL certificates establish an encrypted connection between a website/server and a browser with what’s known as an “SSL handshake.” For every new session a user begins on your website, their browser and your server exchange and validate each other’s SSL certificates. Your server shares its public key with the browser, which the browser then uses to create and encrypt a pre-master key.
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TLS: Transport Layer Security (TLS) has replaced SSL, but it is still common to refer to these related technologies as “SSL” or “SSL/TLS” .
SSL encryption is used to protect sensitive information transmitted over the internet, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and login credentials.
