What does SSL stand for in technology?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, which is a standard technology used to establish a secure and encrypted connection between a web server and a web browser. It ensures that any data transferred between the two remains private and integral. SSL uses a combination of public key and symmetric key encryption to safeguard sensitive information such as credit card numbers, usernames, and passwords during online transactions.

The term "Secure Sockets Layer" accurately reflects its role in creating a secure channel over an unsecured network like the internet. When SSL is implemented, it provides authentication of the websites, ensuring that users are communicating with the legitimate servers and not impostors, thereby protecting against threats like man-in-the-middle attacks. Over time, SSL has evolved into Transport Layer Security (TLS), which is more secure, but "SSL" is still commonly used to refer to both technologies collectively.