Secure Sockets Layer

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a security protocol used for securing websites from fraudulent activities by establishing an encrypted link between a server and a browser; or between a mail server and a mail client, such as MS Outlook. SSL incorporates a program layer, which is positioned between the Transport Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet's Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) layers.

SSL was first developed by Netscape in a year, 1994 to curb security concerns over the Internet. There number of SSL versions of SSL protocol, such as SSL 3.0, SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, and the latest TLS version 1.0 with SSL version 3.0.

SSL technology wards off illegitimate activities, hence securing sensitive information such as credit card numbers, login credentials, and social security numbers. Usually, the flow of data or information between the browsers and web servers is sent in plain text format, which opens the door for vulnerable threats. SSL secures confidential data and information on the Internet, more specifically at the time of online transactions or when sending confidential information over the Internet. SSL Certificates uses a pair of keys, i.e.; a public and a private key. These keys work in conjunction with each other to establish an encrypted link.