SSL, Secure Socket Layer

SSL was originally spawned from TLS (Transport Layer Security). The purpose is to secure online transactions such as browsing, email and instant messaging. Its most practical use is for securing monetary transactions through a website. While protocol between SSL and TLS differs slightly, they both cover the basics. SSL was designed to allow uninterrupted transmission on the internet by preventing eavesdropping, tampering and the forging of messages by third-party sources. It enables authentication at the endpoint and reliable privacy using an advanced method of cryptography. In most cases, only a server is authenticated while the client remains unauthenticated. This assures the end user that the site they are communicating with is legitimate. The next level secures both ends of the transaction, a process known as mutual authentication. This requires the use of a public key attained through a digital certificate. The public key itself is encrypted and can be authenticated when entering a password.