What Is SSL Mode?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and is a protocol for sending encrypted messages over the Internet. SSL has been replaced by newer methods. The use of SSL mode by web browsers and servers, email servers and other communication systems ensures that information is encrypted as it is exchanged.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
SSL was developed by Netscape in the early 1990s, though early versions had significant flaws. The final version, SSL 3.0, was released in 1996.
Method
-
SSL works by exchanging encryption codes between a client computer and a server. Thereafter, data exchanged is encrypted using that cipher and decrypted on the other end.
-
Usage
-
While the SSL 3.0 protocol has been superseded by the TLS protocol, it is still in widespread use as an encryption method. Additionally, some people may refer to any similar encryption method as SSL.
Identification
-
You can tell if your browser is surfing in SSL mode by the protocol portion of the web address. It is usually "http," but when surfing a secure website in SSL mode, it will read "https."
Email
-
Many email services and software will allow you to employ SSL mode in exchanging email. You can generally find this option in the settings.
Limitations
-
SSL merely ensures that no one can eavesdrop on your data as it is transferred between your computer and a server. It does not ensure that the server is reliable or safe.
-
References
- Photo Credit network security - locked image by Melking from Fotolia.com
