Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client—typically a web server (website) and a browser, or a mail server and a mail client (e.g., Outlook). This ensures that all data transmitted between the web server and browsers remain private and integral.
Key Features of Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
- Encryption: SSL encrypts data exchanged between the server and the client, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept the data.
- Authentication: SSL verifies the identity of the website and ensures that users are communicating with the intended server.
- Data Integrity: SSL ensures that the data sent and received is not altered during transmission.
How Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Works
1. Handshake Process: When a browser connects to a server, the SSL handshake process begins, where the browser and server exchange information to establish a secure connection.
2. Certificate Verification: The server sends a copy of its SSL certificate to the browser. The browser checks if it trusts the SSL certificate and, if so, sends a message to the server.
3. Session Keys Creation: The server responds with a digitally signed acknowledgment to start an encrypted SSL session. Both the browser and the server generate session keys to encrypt and decrypt the data.
Importance of SSL
- Security: Protects sensitive information such as credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, and other private data.
- Trust: Provides a visual indicator (e.g., a padlock icon in the browser address bar) that the site is secure, enhancing user trust.
- SEO Benefits: Search engines, particularly Google, prefer websites with SSL certificates and may rank them higher in search results.
In summary, SSL is a crucial component of online security, ensuring safe and secure communication between web servers and clients.
