Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is the industry standard for encrypting data in transit over a network, protecting information such as credit card numbers and passwords from prying eyes online. Depending on the use case, the two systems in question may be a server and a client (like a shopping website and a browser), or two servers communicating with one another (for example, an application with personal identifiable information or with payroll information).
It accomplishes this by rendering unintelligible any information passed between users and sites or between systems. Information sent over the network connection is encrypted using a variety of methods before transmission. Credit card numbers, bank account details, home addresses, and other personal information could all fall into this category.
The Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol is simply SSL with added security updates. For marketing purposes, we continue to use the name “SSL” to refer to our security certificates, but be assured that when you purchase SSL from DigiCert, you are receiving cutting-edge TLS certificates that can be encrypted using either ECC or RSA or DSA.
Websites protected with an SSL certificate can be identified by the addition of HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) to the address bar. If you click the lock icon in your browser’s address bar, you’ll be able to see the certificate’s details, such as the issuing authority and the website owner’s legal name.