What is SSL?

What is SSL?

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is an encryption-based Internet security protocol. It was first developed by Netscape in 1995 for the purpose of ensuring privacy, authentication, and data integrity in Internet communications. SSL is the predecessor to the modern TLS encryption used today.

A website that implements SSL/TLS has "HTTPS" in its URL instead of "HTTP."

How does SSL/TLS work?

SSL encrypts data transmitted across the web so that anyone who intercepts it will only see a garbled mix of characters. SSL initiates an authentication process called a handshake between two communicating devices, and digitally signs data to provide data integrity.

Are SSL and TLS the same thing?

SSL is the direct predecessor of TLS (Transport Layer Security). The differences between SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0 are not drastic — the name change signified a change in ownership. The two terms are often used interchangeably.

Why is SSL/TLS important?

Originally, data on the Web was transmitted in plaintext. SSL was created to encrypt communications and protect user privacy, ensuring that sensitive information like credit card numbers travel across the Internet securely.