What does SSL provide for a website?
SSL is an abbreviation for Secure Sockets Layer.
Most web surfers associate SSL with being a secure encrypted connection between your computer and the server being accessed. Many also associate it with a "lock icon" in their browser's address bar indicating a secure connection. While these facts are true, SSL is also more.
SSL is also identity verification. In addition to encrypting a connection a third party, the Certificate Authority, is vouching the server being connected to is really who they say they are. The Certificate Authority in this scenario is similar to a Notary Public who witnesses a signature then embosses a legal state seal.
While SSL is very common there are similar security protocols such as TLI (Transport Layer Interface) that provide similar services.
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