Ssl

/ˌɛs ɛs ˈɛl/ noun

Definition

Secure Sockets Layer, a security protocol for establishing encrypted links between web servers and browsers.

Etymology

Acronym created in 1994 by Netscape Communications. 'Secure' from Latin 'securus' (without care), 'Socket' from computing term for connection endpoints, 'Layer' indicating its position in network protocols.

Kelly Says

SSL certificates create the 'https' and padlock icon you see in browsers - this tiny 's' represents a cryptographic handshake between your device and websites that would take the world's fastest computers centuries to crack.

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