At their core, SSL and TLS are cryptographic protocols designed to provide communications security over a computer network.

It ensures that data cannot be modified or corrupted during transfer without being detected. 3. How the "Handshake" Works

When you visit a site with https:// , a process called the occurs in milliseconds:

It hides data from eavesdroppers. If a hacker intercepts the communication, they see a garbled mess of characters rather than your credit card number or password.

It ensures you are talking to the correct server. Through "certificates," your browser verifies that the website is who it claims to be, preventing "man-in-the-middle" attacks.