What is the main function of an SSL certificate?

What is the main function of an SSL certificate?

• A. To provide a unique identifier for users
• B. To ensure secure communications between a web server and a browser
• C. To encrypt data on hard drives
• D. To protect against malware infections

Answer: (B)

The main function of an SSL certificate is to ensure secure communications between a web server and a browser. When an SSL certificate is installed on a web server, it enables the establishment of an HTTPS connection, which is the secure version of HTTP. This ensures that data transmitted between the server and the user's browser is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering by unauthorized parties. SSL certificates also authenticate the identity of the website, which helps users verify that they are communicating with the intended server rather than an imposter. This is particularly important for transactions involving sensitive information, such as personal details or payment information, as it builds trust between the user and the website. The other choices focus on different security aspects that are not the primary function of an SSL certificate, such as user identification, data encryption on storage devices, and protection against malware, which fall under other security technologies and practices.

The main function of an SSL certificate is to ensure secure communications between a web server and a browser. When an SSL certificate is installed on a web server, it enables the establishment of an HTTPS connection, which is the secure version of HTTP. This ensures that data transmitted between the server and the user's browser is encrypted, protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering by unauthorized parties.

SSL certificates also authenticate the identity of the website, which helps users verify that they are communicating with the intended server rather than an imposter. This is particularly important for transactions involving sensitive information, such as personal details or payment information, as it builds trust between the user and the website.

The other choices focus on different security aspects that are not the primary function of an SSL certificate, such as user identification, data encryption on storage devices, and protection against malware, which fall under other security technologies and practices.