SSL, short for Secure Sockets Layer, is a standard security technology used to establish an encrypted link between a web server and a client—typically a web browser. It ensures that all data transmitted between the web server and browser remains private and integral.
SSL is most commonly used in situations where data security is critical, such as during credit card transactions or login processes. It uses a combination of public and private key encryption to secure a connection, represented visually by a padlock icon in a browser's address bar, and websites using SSL also use the 'https' protocol rather than 'http'.
SSL certificates, provided by Certificate Authorities (CAs), verify a website's identity and its SSL/TLS encryption. These certificates increase user trust because they denote a safe and secure connection.