SSL: Secure Sockets Layer in Cybersecurity

Networking
ByDecipherU Editorial
How is it pronounced?
ess-ess-el

SSL is technically deprecated; TLS is the current standard.

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. SSL is a deprecated cryptographic protocol that was used to encrypt network communications. TLS replaced it, but the term 'SSL' is still widely used colloquially.

How SSL Is Used in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity professionals flag systems still running SSL as a critical vulnerability. Penetration testers check for SSL fallback attacks like POODLE and DROWN. Security engineers migrate legacy services from SSL to TLS 1.2 or 1.3.

Read the full glossary entry: TLS/SSL in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Roles That Work with SSL

Related Cybersecurity Acronyms

Frequently asked questions

What does SSL stand for?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. SSL is a deprecated cryptographic protocol that was used to encrypt network communications. TLS replaced it, but the term 'SSL' is still widely used colloquially.

What is SSL used for in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity professionals flag systems still running SSL as a critical vulnerability. Penetration testers check for SSL fallback attacks like POODLE and DROWN. Security engineers migrate legacy services from SSL to TLS 1.2 or 1.3.

Last verified: April 2026?Report an inaccuracy