Definitions for teachers by teachers

SSL

Secure Sockets Layer.  (Developed by Netscape)  Information that is transmitted is safely encrypted.  Encryption is commonly 48-bit, 64-bit, and 128-bit.  The more bits used, the safer the encryption.
Relevance:  Because of this layer, https:// sites are secure.

HTTPS or SSL - Known as Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol, or a Secure Socket Layer. These two definitions go hand in hand. HTTPS is a web protocol developed by Netscape for encrypting and decrypting user requests. The HTTPS is really a sub layer of the HTTP application, using the Netscape Secure Socket Layer. This layer using port 443 instead of the usual port 80 for its internet interactions. Use of this type of security is for the transfer of data like social security numbers, credit card numbers, and personnel information. Browsers will create a second screen (layer) with some type of symbol recognizing that this is a secure site (Netscape's solid key).

by Michael Marassa

Secure Sockets Layer-  This is the leading security protocol on the internet.  When SSL is used the browser sends a public key to the server and in return the server then sends a secret key to the browser.  This allows information to pass using a secret key encryption.  It was developed by Netscape.

I assume that SSL would be used when sending personal information such as credit card data to and from a server.

by Liz Sanford

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