SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol created by Netscape which has been an international standard on the Internet for exchanging critical or private information between a website and the computer communicating with it.

SSL technology is compatible with all popular browsers and connects automatically to the web server which is secured by SSL Certificate when the user starts any type of transaction or transmission of information. A user can confirm easily that a website holds a SSL Certificate by noticing its green address bar of the URL window of the browser that starts with https, where "s" stands for secure connection.

When your browser connects to an SSL server, it automatically asks the server for a digital Certificate of Authority (CA). This digital certificate positively authenticates the server's identity to ensure you will not be sending sensitive data to a hacker or imposter site. The browser also makes sure the domain name matches the name on the CA, and that the CA has been generated by a trusted authority and bears a valid digital signature. If all goes well you will not even be aware this transaction has taken place.

The use of SSL certificates is important in encouragement of user's trust in websites. Certificates are often used on ecommerce sites, where users might be using credit card information for making any online purchase. Also financial services websites, such as online banking and payment fulfilment sites might use this certificate. Other sites that might request personal information such as addresses, birth dates or health information will also typically use SSL certificates.