GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

What is the purpose of a secure socket layer (SSL)?

1. Monitoring network traffic

2. Providing secure communication over a computer network

3. Filtering malicious content

4. Backups of critical data

The correct answer is: Providing secure communication over a computer network

The purpose of a secure socket layer (SSL) is to provide secure communication over a computer network. SSL is a standard technology that establishes an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, ensuring that the data transferred between them remains private and integral. This encryption protects sensitive data, such as personal information, credit card numbers, and login credentials, from being intercepted by unauthorized parties during transmission over the internet. SSL works through a combination of encryption and authentication, allowing for a secure exchange of information while also verifying the identity of the communicating parties. This process builds trust and secures the interactions that happen online, making SSL essential for activities like online banking and shopping, where data privacy is critical. While monitoring network traffic, filtering malicious content, and backing up critical data are important aspects of cybersecurity, they do not directly relate to the primary function of SSL, which focuses solely on securely transmitting data.