Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol for enabling data encryption on the Internet and for helping web site users confirm the owner of the web site. SSL is most commonly used to protect communications between web browsers and servers. However, it is increasingly used for server to server communications and for web-based applications.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a security protocol that requires a web server and browser to work together to establish an encrypted channel for the exchange of information. Seamless trust between a browser and server depends on the browser’s ability to trust the SSL provider.

Browsers determine whether or not to trust an SSL certificate by checking the source of the certificate issuance. If the SSL certificate is issued by a Certificate Authority that is known and trusted by the browser, the browser extends that trust to the web site secured by the SSL certificate. If the certificate is self-signed or issued by an unknown Certificate Authority, the browser may display an alert or security warning.