SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a commonly-used protocol for managing the security of a message transmission on the Internet. SSL has recently been succeeded by Transport Layer Security (TLS), which is based on SSL.

SSL uses a program layer located between the Internet's Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Transport Control Protocol (TCP) layers. SSL is included as part of both the Microsoft and Netscape browsers and most Web server products. Developed by Netscape, SSL also gained the support of Microsoft and other Internet client/server developers as well and became the de facto standard until evolving into Transport Layer Security.

The "sockets" part of the term refers to the sockets method of passing data back and forth between a client and a server program in a network or between program layers in the same computer. SSL uses the public-and-private key encryption system from RSA, which also includes the use of a digital certificate.

TLS and SSL are an integral part of most Web browsers (clients) and Web servers. If a Web site is on a server that supports SSL, SSL can be enabled and specific Web pages can be identified as requiring SSL access.

TLS and SSL are not interoperable. However, a message sent with TLS can be handled by a client that handles SSL but not TLS.

--whatis.com--

Advantages of using SSL

a) Provides security when sending critical and personal information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, e.t.c.

b) Ensures all data passed over the SSL secure link is encrypted and safe from intruders and crackers.

Caveats to using SSL

a) SSL requires alot of processing and memory resources, and as such, can be slightly slower than using non-SSL enabled sites.

Back to Home

© 2004 Africa Online Swaziland. All Rights Reserved.