SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and is a protocol used for securing communications over the internet. SSL was replaced by the newer TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol, but the term SSL is still commonly used to refer to both protocols. SSL/TLS provides encryption and authentication for online transactions, such as online shopping, banking and other sensitive communications. When SSL/TLS is used, data is encrypted and transmitted securely between a user’s web browser and a web server, protecting it from interception or manipulation by third parties. SSL/TLS also provides authentication by verifying the identity of the website or server with a digital certificate. SSL/TLS is widely used on the web and is indicated by a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, along with the “https” prefix in the URL.