The SSL protocol uses a cryptographic system that uses two keys to encrypt data, a public key known to everyone and a private key known only to the recipient of the message. This ensures that data pass between two entities over the internet shall be encrypted upon transmission. Websites uses the encrypted data channel to obtain confidential user information such as credit card numbers, personal data, business data, emails or login credentials.

Web sites with SSL have the following characteristics:

1. The URL or web address changes from http:// to https://.
2. The padlock sign on the browser changes from open to close.
3. The address bar will turn to green and display the name of website owner when connecting to a website protected by Extended Validation SSL certificate.