SSL (Secure Socket Layer)

SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a protocol for securing communication between a client and a server over the internet. It is now known as TLS (Transport Layer Security), which is the newer and improved version of SSL. The primary purpose of SSL is to provide a secure, encrypted connection between two parties, which ensures that the data exchanged between them cannot be intercepted, modified, or read by any third party. Here's a simple example of how SSL works: Suppose you want to buy a product from an online store, and you need to provide your credit card information to complete the purchase. When you click on the "checkout" button, your browser sends a request to the online store's server to establish a secure SSL/TLS connection. The server responds with its digital certificate, which contains its public key and other identifying information. Your browser verifies the authenticity of the server's digital certificate by checking its signature against a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), such as Verisign or Thawte. Once the browser verifies the server's identity, it generates a unique session key for the session and encrypts it with the server's public key. The encrypted session key is sent to the server, which decrypts it using its private key. Both parties can now use the session key to encrypt and decrypt all data sent between them during the session, including your credit card information. This process ensures that your credit card information is protected from prying eyes while it travels over the internet. SSL is widely used for securing online transactions, email, and other forms of communication that require confidentiality and integrity. It is also used to secure sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and personal information. In summary, SSL is a protocol that provides a secure, encrypted connection between a client and a server, ensuring that sensitive information remains private and confidential.