Secure Sockets Layer Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Secure Sockets Layer?
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a security protocol that provides communications privacy over the Internet. It creates an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, ensuring that all data passed between the two remains secure and private. SSL is most commonly used to protect sensitive information sent via the Internet, such as credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal data.The SSL protocol works in three main steps: authentication, encryption, and data integrity. During the authentication step, the server identifies itself to the client using digital certificates. Encryption then takes place using public-key algorithms so that only authorized parties can access transmitted information. Finally, data integrity checks are conducted to ensure that any data sent from one end of the connection was not modified while in transit. In order to be fully secure, both ends of an SSL connection must have valid certificates installed on their respective systems. A certificate is issued by a trusted third party called a Certificate Authority (CA). The CA verifies that it has done its due diligence to ensure both parties involved in an SSL transaction are legitimate entities who can be trusted with confidential information. Some of the more common CAs include Verisign and Thawte Consulting Ltd. SSL helps protect against many online security threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks where someone attempts to intercept communication between two parties without either of them knowing about it; sniffing where someone tries to gain unauthorized access to unencrypted network traffic; or tampering where someone tries to modify messages being sent or received without authorization or detection by either party involved in the exchange of information. Overall Secure Sockets Layer is an important tool for providing secure communication over any kind of network connection – especially when sending sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords over public networks like those found on Wi-Fi hotspots or other open networks where malicious users may try to gain access your confidential data for malicious purposes.