Secure sockets layer

Definition

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a standard security protocol that establishes encrypted links between networked computers, ensuring that all data transmitted remains private and integral. It plays a critical role in protecting sensitive information during online transactions, such as credit card numbers and personal data, by providing confidentiality and authentication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SSL was developed by Netscape in the mid-1990s to provide secure communication over the internet, especially for online transactions.
2. SSL uses a combination of public key and symmetric key encryption to protect data as it travels between clients and servers.
3. The SSL protocol includes mechanisms for authentication, ensuring that the parties involved in the communication are who they claim to be.
4. While SSL has been widely used, it has been deprecated in favor of TLS, which offers improved security features and is now the industry standard.
5. Web browsers display a padlock icon or 'https://' in the URL bar when SSL or TLS is successfully implemented, indicating a secure connection.

Review Questions

• How does Secure Sockets Layer ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over the internet?
  • Secure Sockets Layer ensures confidentiality by using encryption techniques that transform readable data into an encoded format that can only be accessed by authorized parties. This encryption protects sensitive information from being intercepted during transmission. Additionally, SSL provides integrity checks through message authentication codes, which help verify that the data sent has not been altered in transit.
• Discuss the evolution from Secure Sockets Layer to Transport Layer Security and why TLS is preferred over SSL.
  • The evolution from Secure Sockets Layer to Transport Layer Security reflects advancements in security practices and technology. TLS was developed as a more secure replacement for SSL, addressing vulnerabilities that were present in SSL versions. It offers enhanced encryption algorithms, better performance, and improved authentication methods. Because of these advancements, TLS is now the standard protocol used for securing communications over the internet.
• Evaluate the importance of Public Key Infrastructure in relation to Secure Sockets Layer's functionality in securing online communications.
  • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) plays a vital role in Secure Sockets Layer's functionality by enabling secure exchanges of encryption keys between parties. PKI manages digital certificates that authenticate the identities of users and devices during online interactions. This authentication is crucial because it helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, where an unauthorized entity intercepts communications. By establishing trust through PKI, SSL can effectively secure data transmission between clients and servers.

Related terms

Transport Layer Security (TLS): TLS is the successor to SSL, providing stronger encryption and better security features for data transmitted over networks.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): PKI is a framework that manages digital certificates and public-key encryption to secure data transmission and verify identities.

Encryption: Encryption is the process of converting information into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access, often used in conjunction with SSL to secure data.