SSL, short for Secure Sockets Layer, is a protocol whose primary objective is to provide secure communication over the Internet. SSL protects data by creating a secure connection between a client and a server using encryption enabled by a server's SSL Certificate.
SSL implementation is virtually indispensable for E-commerce websites today, that use it as a means protect the passage of sensitive information, such as credit card details, over the Internet. This protocol, which was developed by Netscape, makes use of a public and private key infrastructure to secure data transmission. The data is encrypted using 2 keys, a public key that is made known to everyone, and a private key that is known only by the authorized user.
Generally, URLs that have an SSL connection start with https:// instead of https://. The knowledge that your website has SSL protection gives your business credibility and develops confidence in your clients, existing and prospective alike.