What does SSL stand for?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. This is a standard security protocol that is used to establish an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. SSL is critical for ensuring that sensitive data transmitted over the internet, such as personal information, credit card numbers, and login credentials, is kept secure and private from eavesdroppers and attackers.

The naming convention reflects its purpose: "Secure" indicates the encryption and protection of data, "Socket" refers to the way connections are established in networking, and "Layer" signifies that it operates at a specific layer within an internet protocol suite. The use of SSL has evolved, and it has been largely replaced by Transport Layer Security (TLS) in recent years, but the term SSL is still widely used in discussions about secure internet communications.

Other options present alternative interpretations or combinations of terminology that do not accurately reflect the established meaning associated with this widely used security protocol.