Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

Definition

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a standard security protocol that establishes encrypted links between networked computers, ensuring that data transmitted over the internet remains private and secure. SSL works by encrypting the data sent between the user's computer and the web server, which helps protect sensitive information like credit card details and personal data during online transactions. It has evolved into a critical component of e-commerce, helping build trust and credibility for online businesses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SSL was developed by Netscape in the 1990s as a way to secure web communications, paving the way for safe online transactions.
2. While SSL has largely been replaced by TLS due to security vulnerabilities, the term 'SSL' is still commonly used to refer to both protocols.
3. A website that uses SSL can be identified by a URL that begins with 'https://' instead of 'http://', indicating that it is secure.
4. SSL certificates are issued by trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs), which verify the identity of the website owner before issuing a certificate.
5. The encryption provided by SSL helps prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and forgery of data transmitted over the internet, making it essential for e-commerce sites.

Review Questions

• How does SSL contribute to the security of online transactions, particularly in e-commerce?
  • SSL contributes to the security of online transactions by establishing an encrypted link between the user's browser and the web server. This encryption ensures that any sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or personal details, cannot be easily intercepted by malicious actors during transmission. By protecting this data, SSL helps build consumer trust in e-commerce platforms, encouraging users to share their information and complete transactions.
• What are the main differences between SSL and its successor TLS in terms of security features?
  • While both SSL and TLS are designed to secure data transmitted over networks, TLS offers several improvements over SSL. TLS includes stronger encryption algorithms and better mechanisms for authentication and integrity checks, making it more resistant to attacks such as man-in-the-middle. Additionally, TLS supports more secure protocols and cipher suites compared to older versions of SSL. As a result, TLS is considered a more robust solution for protecting online communications.
• Evaluate the role of SSL certificates in establishing trust for online businesses and how they impact consumer behavior.
  • SSL certificates play a crucial role in establishing trust for online businesses by providing a layer of security that assures consumers their data will be protected during transactions. When users see a padlock icon or 'https://' in their browser's address bar, it signals that the website has implemented security measures to safeguard their information. This trust can significantly influence consumer behavior, as users are more likely to engage with websites that demonstrate a commitment to protecting their data. The presence of an SSL certificate can lead to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty for e-commerce businesses.

Related terms

Transport Layer Security (TLS): TLS is the successor to SSL and provides enhanced security features for encrypting data transmitted over networks.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): PKI is a framework for managing digital certificates and public-key encryption, which underpins SSL security.

HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is an extension of HTTP that uses SSL/TLS to secure communications over a computer network.