What does SSL stand for?

The correct answer is that SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. This is a protocol that was developed to provide secure communication over a computer network. It uses encryption to secure the data being transmitted between a client and a server, ensuring that sensitive information such as credit card numbers, login credentials, and personal data is protected from eavesdroppers and tampering. This protocol has played a crucial role in establishing secure internet transactions and is widely used to secure communications on the internet.

The terminology is essential to understand, as "Secure Sockets Layer" accurately describes the function of the protocol, focusing on the security aspect of socket connections, which are the endpoints for sending and receiving data over a network. Understanding SSL is foundational for grasping modern internet security practices, including secure website connections (HTTPS) that rely on this protocol for encrypting data exchange.