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SSL - Secure Sockets Layer

By Bradley Mitchell, About.com

Definition: SSL security technology helps to improve the safety of Internet communications. SSL is a standard for encrypted client/server communication between network devices.

A network protocol, SSL runs on top of TCP/IP. SSL utilizes several standard network security techniques including public keys, symmetric keys, and certificates. Web sites commonly use SSL to guard private information such as credit card numbers.

Also Known As: Secure Sockets Layer

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