What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a program created by Netscape® to manage the security of message transmissions in a network. This encryption process makes it extremely difficult for anyone to intercept and read information between your computer and the server to which you are making a connection. SSL is used mainly for connections that require you to provide personal information, such as home address, telephone numbers, credit card numbers, and so on.

How does SSL work?
SSL uses a technique called public-key encryption, where each side of the transaction has a shared public key, and a private key that is not shared. Data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the private key. Each side encrypts its data with the remote end's public key, so that only that destination, and no intermediary, can decrypt the transmission and access the data.

How do I know if I am using SSL?
All of this is transparent to users running an SSL-enabled browser to access the secure pages. When an SSL URL is indicated, the browser automatically starts the encryption process, a notification message may appear to the end user that security has been enabled, and some indication on the browser screen (such as a closed padlock in Internet Explorer) will appear to indicate that security is complete.

Why should I use SSL?
SSL makes it safer and more comfortable to fill out forms, submit data, or fill out orders online. Many browsers will issue a warning (depending on security configuration) when form data is submitted over a non-SSL connection, and this warning discourages many people from submitting data over the Internet.  Using SSL enables safe and secure internet transactions.