Technology / SSL
Secure Sockets Layer
Plain-language definitionThe commonly used name for certificates and encryption that protect data in transit over HTTPS. Modern implementations use the TLS protocol.
Why it matters
Use the term to make a better decision.
In practice, secure sockets layer matters when a team needs to connect a technical or creative choice to a visible change in clarity, performance, discovery, or conversion. The useful question is not whether the term sounds sophisticated. It is what decision it helps the team make.