Explain the concept of secure socket layer (SSL) in network security.

Network Security Protocols Questions



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Explain the concept of secure socket layer (SSL) in network security.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a cryptographic protocol that ensures secure communication over a network. It provides a secure channel between two machines, typically a client and a server, by encrypting the data transmitted between them. SSL uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms to establish a secure connection.

When a client initiates a connection with a server, SSL performs a handshake process to authenticate the server's identity and establish a secure session key. This session key is then used to encrypt and decrypt the data exchanged between the client and server, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.

SSL also provides additional security features such as data integrity verification and server authentication. It verifies that the data received has not been tampered with during transmission and ensures that the server is legitimate and trusted.

Overall, SSL plays a crucial role in network security by protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and ensuring secure communication between parties. It is widely used in various applications, including online banking, e-commerce, and secure email communication.