SSL/TLS
Definition
SSL/TLS are cryptographic protocols that provide secure communication over a computer network.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS), are designed to encrypt data transmitted between a client (like a web browser) and a server. This encryption ensures that any information exchanged remains private and unaltered during transit. The process involves a handshake where the client and server authenticate each other and agree upon encryption methods.
For instance, when you see "https://" in a website's address and a padlock icon in your browser's address bar, it indicates that an SSL/TLS connection is active, safeguarding your data.
This technology is widely implemented in web browsing, email services, instant messaging, and other applications where data confidentiality and integrity are essential.