Secure Sockets Layer is a protocol that encrypts email communications, providing a secure channel for transmitting sensitive information. It establishes an authenticated and encrypted link between a mail client and a mail server. For example, when a user sends an email, the content is scrambled using cryptographic algorithms before being sent across the internet. Only the intended recipient’s mail server, equipped with the correct decryption key, can unscramble and read the message. This process safeguards against eavesdropping and tampering during transmission.
The implementation of this encryption method is vital for maintaining the privacy and integrity of electronic correspondence. Its use mitigates the risk of unauthorized access to confidential data, such as personal information, financial records, or business strategies. Historically, the lack of such protections left email communications vulnerable to interception and misuse. The adoption of secure protocols has become increasingly important with the rise of cyber threats and the growing need to comply with data protection regulations. It protects sender and receiver both.