Firstly – what is SSL?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and is a way of encrypting information between a website and the user. You know you are visiting a SSL encrypted page because you see the “padlock” symbol in your browser.
How it works.
- When a web browser attempts to connect to a server secured with SSL, the browser requests identification.
- The server sends the browser a copy of its SSL certificate.
- The browser checks whether it trusts the SSL certificate. If so, it sends a message to the server.
- The server sends back a digitally signed acknowledgement to start an SSL encrypted session.
- Encrypted data is shared between the browser and the server.