👉 SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) computing is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure communication over a computer network, most commonly the internet. It establishes an encrypted link between a client (like a web browser) and a server, ensuring that all data exchanged remains private and protected from eavesdropping or tampering. SSL achieves this by using a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption techniques, digital certificates for authentication, and hash functions. When a user visits a secure website, SSL encrypts the data transmitted between their browser and the server, creating a secure channel that prevents unauthorized access or modification of sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details. This process is fundamental for online security, enabling trust and privacy in digital transactions and communications.