SSL

Definition

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a standard security protocol that establishes encrypted links between a web server and a browser. It ensures that sensitive data, such as credit card information and personal details, is transmitted securely over the internet. SSL has evolved into TLS (Transport Layer Security), but the term SSL is still commonly used to refer to both protocols. This encryption technology plays a crucial role in web security, particularly for online payment systems, by safeguarding transactions against interception and tampering.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SSL was first developed by Netscape in the 1990s to secure internet communications and has become essential for protecting sensitive data.
2. When a website has an SSL certificate, it shows a padlock icon in the address bar, indicating that the connection is secure and data can be transmitted safely.
3. SSL encrypts data using symmetric encryption for speed and asymmetric encryption for secure key exchange, ensuring both confidentiality and authentication.
4. Many browsers now require websites to use HTTPS instead of HTTP, and failing to implement SSL can lead to warnings that deter users from entering sensitive information.
5. While SSL itself is considered outdated and vulnerable, its principles laid the groundwork for the more secure TLS protocols currently in use today.

Review Questions

• How does SSL contribute to web security and enhance user trust during online transactions?
  • SSL enhances web security by encrypting data transmitted between a web server and a browser, which protects sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers from being intercepted by malicious actors. This encryption creates a secure connection that assures users their data is safe during online transactions. The presence of an SSL certificate also builds trust, as users are more likely to engage with websites displaying a padlock icon, knowing their information is protected.
• Compare SSL with its successor TLS in terms of security features and usage in modern web applications.
  • While both SSL and TLS serve the same fundamental purpose of securing internet connections, TLS offers several enhancements over SSL. TLS provides stronger encryption algorithms and improved mechanisms for authentication and integrity checks, addressing vulnerabilities found in earlier SSL versions. Additionally, modern web applications predominantly use TLS due to its increased security features and better performance capabilities compared to outdated SSL protocols.
• Evaluate the implications of not implementing SSL on e-commerce websites regarding security risks and customer behavior.
  • Failing to implement SSL on e-commerce websites can have severe implications for both security and customer behavior. Without SSL, sensitive customer data is transmitted in plaintext, making it vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals. This not only puts customers at risk but can also lead to significant financial losses for businesses due to fraud. Furthermore, many consumers are wary of providing personal information on sites without secure connections; as a result, e-commerce platforms lacking SSL may experience higher abandonment rates during the checkout process, negatively impacting sales and customer trust.

Related terms

TLS: Transport Layer Security, the successor to SSL, is a protocol that ensures privacy between communicating applications and users on the internet.

HTTPS: HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, an extension of HTTP that uses SSL/TLS to provide secure communication over a computer network.

Certificate Authority: A trusted entity that issues digital certificates used to verify the ownership of encryption keys used in SSL/TLS connections.