**The Evolution of SSL and TLS Protocols: A Journey Through Secure Communication**

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS), are cryptographic protocols designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. These protocols have become a cornerstone of internet security, ensuring that data transmitted between clients and servers remains confidential and tamper-proof. This article delves into the history of SSL and TLS, exploring their development, evolution, and significance in the digital age. The Birth of SSL The journey of SSL began in the early 1990s when the internet was rapidly expanding, and the need for secure online transactions became apparent.