Quick definition · 2 min Internet & web term

SSL / TLS

SSL (now properly called TLS) is the encryption that puts the padlock in your browser and the “s” in https.

Think of it like

A sealed envelope for the web. Without it, your messages travel on a postcard anyone in between can read.

Example

When you log in or pay, SSL/TLS scrambles the data between you and the site so no one in the middle can read it.

Why it matters

SSL is why “https” sites are safe to send passwords to, and why browsers warn you when a site does not have it.

Where you’ll see it
every https siteLet’s EncryptCloudflare
Next step Where HTTPS fits: HTTP explained → How TLS wraps the request/response cycle.
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