Secure Sockets Layer ( SSL) is a common security technology for creating an encrypted connection between a server and a client — usually a web server (website) and a browser, or a mail server and a mail client (e.g., Outlook).

SSL allows encrypted transmission of confidential information such as credit-card numbers , social security numbers, and login credentials. Ordinarily, data transmitted between browsers and web servers is sent in plain text — leaving you open to eavesdrop. If an attacker can access all data that is sent between a client and a web server, they will be able to view and use the information.

More precisely, SSL is a protocol to authentication. Protocols explain how to employ algorithms. In this case, the SSL protocol specifies encryption variables for the link as well as for the data being transmitted.

All browsers have the capability to use the SSL protocol to communicate with protected web servers. But, in order to create a secure connection, the client and the server need what’s called an SSL Certificate.

Every day, SSL secures the data of millions of people on the Internet, in particular during online transactions or while transmitting confidential information. Internet users have come to equate their online protection with the lock icon that comes with an SSL-secured website or a green address bar that comes with an SSL-secured website for extended validation. Only SSL-secured websites continue with https instead of http.