Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol for establishing secure links between networked computers. It is commonly used to secure connections between web servers and clients, such as browsers.
One of the main benefits of using SSL is that it helps to protect sensitive information transmitted between a server and a client. When a client connects to a server using SSL, the connection is encrypted, which means that any data transmitted between the two is secure and cannot be intercepted by third parties. This is particularly important when sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, is being transmitted.
In addition to protecting sensitive information, SSL is also used to verify the identity of websites. When a client connects to a server using SSL, the server sends a copy of its SSL certificate to the client. The client can then use this certificate to verify the identity of the server and ensure that it is connecting to the correct website.
SSL is indicated by a padlock icon in the address bar of the browser and the URL of the website begins with "https" rather than "http." This is an indication that the connection between the client and the server is secure and encrypted.
Overall, SSL is an important tool for protecting the security and privacy of online communication. It is widely used on the Internet to establish secure connections between servers and clients and to verify the identity of websites.